New Camra initiative to halt rise in pub closures

by John Harrington

The number of pubs that are permanently closed every month has risen from 20 to 26 in the past five years, according to new figures from the Cam-paign for Real Ale (Camra).

The research, released at this week's Great British Beer Festival (GBBF), comes as Camra rolls out the new Community Pubs Foundation to help people save their locals.

The figures show that eight out of 10 pubs that are closed permanently are demolished or converted into houses. There are also 438 pubs that remain closed but have uncertain futures.

However, separate research has pointed to a net increase in licensed premises openings. A report from Deutsche Bank last October said that since the Beer Orders in 1989, six pubs had closed each week but 15 new on-licensed premises had opened.

The foundation hopes to provide small grants, via individual donations, and advice to communities who want to save their local pub.

John Longden, co-ordinator of the Pub is the Hub initiative, has been appointed as a trustee for the foundation.

Longden said pubs in urban areas were now closing at a faster rate than rural pubs. 'Because a lot of pubs are worth 50% more as residential property, a lot of bottom-end pubs are being churned, he said. 'If [pub owners] can turn a few into residential use, that's what they will do.

Longden expected the foundation to focus on helping protesters fight planning applications for change of use. Pub is the Hub would continue advising on diversifying pubs and helping regulars buy pubs for themselves.

The first meeting of the foundation's trustees is due to take place on 11 September.

The Camra survey also revealed that 84% of people who visit pubs prefer a country pub or a community local. And 69% agreed that pubs play an important role in communities.

The GBBF at Kensington Olympia, London, runs until Saturday.