Pubs 'forced to close in recession'

20/04/2009

The recession is causing an average of six UK pubs to close each day, according to a study.

In a new report from the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), it was revealed that sales in pubs and bars had been hit hard by the downturn, due in part to customers having less spending money.

A poll included in the report showed that an anticipated increase in beer tax said to be planned for Wednesday's Budget was opposed by 59 per cent of MPs.

Previously, a ComRes poll had shown that 70 per cent of members felt the same way.

Putting up beer taxes will almost certainly make the average pint more expensive than before - which could have a further impact on sales and force yet more pubs to close.

Dr Richard Muir, senior research fellow at the Institute for Public Policy Research and author of a recent study of community pubs, The Social Value of Community Pubs, said: "MPs realise that pubs are more than businesses, they have an important role to play in communities.

"The government should not under-estimate the value of what is lost to community life when the local pub closes."

Tags; Current UK Economy, Credit Card Lifestyle, Recent Graduate Debt,

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