London pub net closures at two per week, says CAMRA
The consumer group said that around two million Londoners go to the pub on a regular basis but "pubs are still closing at an alarming rate". It is the first time CAMRA has measured the number of pub closures in London.
It comes after a recent CAMRA survey found that more than two thirds of London’s pub goers believe a well-run community pub is as important to community life as a post office, local shop or community centre.
CAMRA is due to host a summit on protecting London's pubs from closure in City Hall tonight. It is in partnership with Greater London Assembly member Tom Copley.
CAMRA chief executive Mike Benner said: “With property values being so high in London, and supermarkets and betting shop chains exploiting planning loopholes to expand their London presence, even profitable pubs face a serious threat to their future from developers.
"The good news is local councils do have powers to be the last line of defence in protecting pubs. Tonight’s summit will enable CAMRA to urge councils to use these powers by supporting communities to list pubs as Assets of Community Value, remove development rights to help prevent valued pubs being converted into supermarkets, betting shops and other uses and to ensure Local Plans contain pro-pub policies.”
London Assembly Member Tom Copley added: “We need to protect London’s pubs, there are an ever decreasing number and too many are being sold off for flats or other uses. Good, well-run pubs, are the heart and soul of so many town centres and communities across London.
“I’m delighted to be hosting this event with CAMRA who do vital work supporting real ale pubs and breweries across the country. We are bringing together pub campaigners from across our city to come up with a plan to save the London pub.
“We are also showcasing some of the finest ales brewed in London, local breweries not only deliver a range of fantastic drinks but also support jobs across our city and keep alive the skills for the future.”
