The evidence is powerful. Pub chains are suffering a squeeze on profits and pub premises across the UK are closing at the rate of 28 a week. Now come figures showing beer sales in pubs down by 10.6 per cent in the second quarter, double the rate of
decline recorded for beer sales overall.
There is no doubt that the pub trade has been hit by a combination of factors: the smoking ban, rising costs, tighter regulation and now a sharp economic downturn that is causing customers to buy discount supermarket alcohol and drink at home. There is also a long-term social change in our leisure and lifestyle habits that runs counter to the notion of a pub as a leisurely retreat for harassed males. But while the pub trade faces tough times and many businesses have suffered, there are outstanding examples, too, where good management and marketing have enabled pubs to prosper. Many have succeeded by offering good food and ranges of non-alcoholic refreshment, and by astute reconfiguration and design that provides some shelter to those who choose to smoke.
And the social-benefit case for the pub is stronger than ever: it provides a pleasant and socially appealing environment in which alcohol can be enjoyed in the company of others and with recognised taboos against over-indulgence. It is antisocial drinking that is the scourge.
The full article contains 243 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
