Real ale drinkers more likely to make friends in pub

08-Aug-2019 - Last updated on 08-Aug-2019 at 14:26 GMT

Get real: those who drink real ale are most likely to make friends in a pub

More than half (56%) of real ale drinkers who go to pubs have made one or more friend there, compared to a third (35%) of the general pub-going public, new research has revealed.

A recent YouGov survey conducted for the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) also found 30% of real ale drinkers report making five or more friends from their pub visits, compared to only 16% of all pubgoers.

CAMRA is calling for substantial reforms to better support the trade and keep pubs open and thriving.

This includes the introduction of a preferential rate of duty for beer sold in pubs and on-trade venues, greater support for publicans tied to large pubcos and a significant reduction in the business rates currently paid by pubs.

Significant role

CAMRA national chairman Nik Antona said: “Pubs play a significant role in communities across the country, providing a space for local people to meet, helping to tackle loneliness, and having a positive impact on the personal wellbeing of pubgoers.

“It is vital the Government continues to act to reduce pub closures so pubs remain at the heart of communities.

“In addition, it is imperative beer drinkers continue to support the pub trade by visiting them. Our Summer of Pub campaign aims to show what pubs have to offer and remind people how important the great British pub is to communities.

“From special screenings of the Women’s World Cup to comedy evenings, beer tastings or special talks, pubs have pulled out all the stops to celebrate this summer and provide something for everyone.”

Future predictions

Meanwhile, CAMRA chief executive Tom Stainer recently told The Morning Advertiser the pub trade is likely to see more consolidation with pub companies and brewers buying smaller businesses.

He said: “You always see these cycles of expansion and contraction where you suddenly get an explosion of smaller operators and it seems natural the bigger operators will respond to that by making acquisitions.

“We have seen a trend recently of big, national or even international brewers starting to buy up smaller breweries, maybe that comes with established craft credentials as a response to the development of the beer market.”