Now more supermarkets than pubs

There are now more supermarkets in Britain than pubs for the first time, according to new figures.

Research firm IGD claims that the number of supermarkets and convenience stores has now reached 55,854 — compared to 54,818 pubs. A record six pubs a day are believed to be closing at the present time.

The pub industry has suffered hugely as a consequence of the cheap alcohol sold at supermarkets. In recent years it has had to deal with the smoking ban, record rises in duty and falling consumer confidence. This has meant that buying beer, sometimes sold as a loss-leader in supermarkets, and staying at home to drink has become an increasingly attractive option for many.

Many tied licensees would also argue that the price they have to pay for beer from their pubco also puts them at a distinct disadvantage.

Last month it was revealed that Tesco had submitted planning applications to convert a number of closed pubs into Tesco Express stores. It recently completed on the purchase of the Bedford Lounge in Bedford.

Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations chief executive Tony Payne said: "Supermarkets like Tesco have driven a lot of pubs into the ground with its cheap deals and now are looking to take full advantage."

Lib Dem MP Greg Mulholland also tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) expressing concern over Tesco targeting closed pubs.

The EDM said: "This house believes that a public house should not be closed unless it has been offered to other public house operators and the community; further believes that there should be a statutory right of consultation over any public house closure and that there should be a mandatory viability test to determine whether a public house is, or could be viable; and calls on the Government to examine a range of measures to help public houses including enshrining them and their importance to their local communities in planning law".