14/02/2007

More than 50 pubs across the UK are being permanently closed every month according to new figures from a campaign group.

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) says more than 1300 pubs could be lost forever unless communities club together to save them. 80 per cent of the closures happen in urban areas, were pubs are under threat due to housing demands and are either shut down or converted into restaurants, shops and offices.

CAMRA chief executive, Mike Benner, said: “We can’t allow ourselves to be in a situation where communities across the UK are without the amenity of a public house. At a time when more and more amenities are being lost it is time for licensees, residents and local authorities to make a stand.”
 
The group is calling for communities to rally behind their local pub during Community Pubs Week (Feb17-24). For more details, see the Diary here.