Camra: 14 pubs close every week

'Incredible rate' is expected to increase following smoke ban introduction on 1 July, says Camra boss

Fourteen pubs close for good every week - more than double previous estimates - according to a shocking new survey by the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra).

As part of its Community Pubs Week, which starts on 17 February, Camra surveyed the state of the nation's pubs. It revealed that 56 - of which 80% are in urban areas - close each month. Currently, 1,300 pubs are closed with an uncertain future. Previous estimates put the figure at six closures a week.

The survey will be repeated after the smoking ban begins on 1 July, when the figure is expected to rise despite heavy industry investment in developing smoking facilities.

Camra chief executive Mike Benner called for immediate action. "We can't allow a situation where communities across the UK are without the amenity of a public house," he said.

"At a time when more and more amenities are being lost, it is time for licensees, residents and local authorities to make a stand. Pubs are a meeting point for friends, neighbours, local groups, charities and sports teams. There is nothing to replace a well run pub - and yet they are being lost at this incredible rate."

The research did not delve into the exact reasons behind closures, but Camra believes pubs need more Government protection. It wants pubs to have a separate Use of Class category from other retail businesses to halt the numbers being converted to housing, restaurants, shops and offices. "This is not a problem confined to rural areas," warned Benner.

"High demand for housing often means city and town residents have to watch their community pub ripped from them to make space for a soulless development."

Camra is also lobbying MPs to close a "ludicrous" legal loophole which allows developers to demolish pubs without the need for planning permission, as well as calling for all new large housing developments to include provisions for a pub.

Benner rejected the notion that the closure of pubs simply represents a levelling-out after the explosion of licensed premises on the high street in the 1980s.

"The research shows those closing are community pubs. Each closure affects that community's fabric. There is too much chasing high turnover - pubs are being re-developed just because they don't reach a certain turnover level. And once they're gone, they're gone for good."

Pub is the Hub Co-ordinator John Longden said: "There will always be closures, but we must look at how vital a pub is to the surrounding community."

For more information on Community Pubs Week, visit www.pubsweek.org.

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"Authorities are helping to save rural pubs but those in urban areas don't get as much attention because there is often another pub nearby.

For more information on Community Pubs Week visit www.pubsweek.org.