Pub trade unaffected by Congestion Charge

The pub trade in central London remains largely unaffected by the Congestion Charge, six months after it was introduced.

A report issued today by London First said that 16 per cent of companies believed that the charge was not working, while 35 per cent said they were undecided.

However, licensees across London say it has made little difference. Caroline Lee, publican of the Coopers Arms in Chelsea, said that there had been no change in business, while Roland Mayer-Jones, licensee of the Stamford Arms in Southwark, said that the only problem had been some "awkwardness regarding deliveries".

Ronald Lewington, landlord of the Crown and Two Chairmen in Soho, does believe however, there has been a slight change in his business.

He said: "Nothing has changed in the evenings but during the days we are quiet. People who have been in the area longer than us say there is a marked difference during the daytime."

Pub companies report that trade has been similarly unaffected. A spokesman for JD Wetherspoon said: "We've seen no change whatsoever - the charge isn't seen as an inconvenience. Our pubs in the West End have always been busy and haven't been affected by the Congestion Charge at all."

Mitchells & Butlers, the pubs wing of Six Continents and whose brands include Browns, Edwards, All Bar One and O'Neills, also said that there has been no discernible difference in the last six months.

A spokesman said: "The nature of the London pub market is that many people live locally and therefore socialise more in the evenings."