Golden Age of pubs

CAMRA says more than 60% of pub-goers think today's pubs are better than those in the 1970's

According to new research from CAMRA more than 60% of pub-goers think today's pubs are better than those back in the 1970's when it first published its Good Beer Guide.

CAMRA researched pub-goers to find out the following:

Which pubs do they prefer - 1970's or Present Day?Why consumers made this choiceWhat did they think the most significant change to pubs in the last 35 years had been

Over 800 beer lovers completed the online survey.

Tony Jerome, CAMRA's marketing manager said: "I think it is good news for the pub industry that pub-goers feel today's pubs are better than those in the 1970's when the Good Beer Guide was first issued.

"This improvement in pubs means it has never been as competitive as it is today to get in our guide."

He added: "Nevertheless, the figures were very close when the question was only asked to those who could legally drink alcohol in pubs in 1974 and are now 51 years old or more. These people have more experience and better memories of the pubs in the 1970's and I think that a large number of pubs could still improve what they are offering the consumer today and should take notice of the results from this poll."

CAMRA's highlights from the survey included:

· 62% of the poll preferred today's pubs compared to those in the 1970's. But only 53% of the poll that were aged 51 years old or over, who could legally drink in 1974, thought that today's pubs were better. · 45% of those that preferred pubs in the 1970's believe the pub felt 'More of a local' in those days with 16% believing it offered a 'Better Atmosphere'. · 31% of those that prefer today's pubs do so because you can no longer smoke in pubs. The smoking issue seems to be of more concern to women, with 47% of women in the poll agreeing with this statement and 53% of the women aged 51 years old or more. Only 27% of all men polled and 30% of those aged 51 years old gave smoking as the reason for choosing present day pubs as their favourite.· The improved 'Choice of Drinks' was the most popular reason for men preferring present day pubs. 33% agreed with this statement.· Almost 1 in 3 people feel that the 'Smoking' ban has been the most significant change to pubs in the last 35 years, although those aged over 51 feel the 'Improved Beer Selection' to be more significant.