Camra: 57 pubs close each month

A survey by the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) claims that 57 pubs each month are closing for good.

The survey comes hot on the heels of claims made by the British Beer and Pub Association last week that 27 a week are shutting.

Camra said the Chancellor must cut duty on beer by at least 1p per pint in Wednesday's budget to halt the decline.

Its survey said that 1,567 pubs closed in 2007 with an uncertain future, compared to 1,320 closed in 2006 with an uncertain future.

It also warned more closures would follow as the survey did not yet account for the full impact of the smoking ban.

The survey suggests that almost one third (31%) of pubs closed permanently are being demolished, while 36% are converted to shops, cafes and restaurants and 33% to other use, mostly residential.

Camra also wants changes to planning laws to prevent pub demolitions or conversion to shops, cafes or restaurants without planning permission.

"Britain's pubs provide an essential amenity for communities and a place for people to enjoy alcohol sociably in a regulated environment, yet the Government's high tax policies coupled with increasing costs are crippling them,"​ said Camra chief executive Mike Benner.

"We need to see action immediately to stop the number of pub closures spiralling out of control making it impossible for many people to benefit from the amenity of a local pub. ​

"A 'rescue plan' for community pubs is required and we hope the Government will begin that process with a one penny tax cut on a pint of beer on Wednesday."

Camra's survey also revealed:

• 72% of people agree that it is unfair that responsible drinkers have to pay for an irresponsible minority• 68% of people agree that a pub is a responsible place to drink• A 10% increase in pub prices would lead to 21% of current pub goers drinking more at home• 45% of people now drink at home, and purchase low-cost alcohol, often used as a loss-leader by supermarkets• 27% of people who prefer to drink at home said price was the main influence on their decision to drink at home• 47% of pub goers prefer beer as their choice of drink

Rising costs​

Benner added that rising costs were also having a great impact on pubs.

"Pub beer prices have increased above inflation over the last ten years and the Chancellor must give beer a break,"​ he said.

"Supermarket beer prices, on the other hand, have actually fallen in real terms, often making beer cheaper than bottled water. ​

"Supermarkets can absorb tax rises while small pub operators can't and the clear effect of this is to drive consumers away from the pub and into their armchair to drink cheap alcohol.

"We want the Government to recognise that the great British pub is the solution to Britain's binge drinking problems and we need policies and action to support them, not close them."