Four in ten adults never visit the pub, new research shows
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) commissioned a survey of 1,000 people which showed that, while 24% of people said they would be more likely to visit their local if they knew what events were planned, 80% had never had any communication with their nearest pub.
CAMRA also expressed concern that the number of people visiting a pub “once a week or more” had decreased from 24% to 15% in the last five years.
The group released the figures as part of its Community Pubs Month, which encourages pubs to organise and events and try out new marketing initiatives to drive trade.
Worrying rise
Colin Valentine, CAMRA’s chairman, said: “In 2009, 27% of adults ‘never’ visited pubs and in just five years this figure has increased to 38%.
“Many of these people (40%) state they do not use pubs because they no longer drink alcohol or have reduced the amount of alcohol they drink. Great community pubs are not only about enjoying alcoholic drinks. They are great places to relax, socialise, eat and spend time with the family.
“CAMRA and the pub industry have to work hard to get this message out and events such as Community Pubs Month will give us the platform to do this.”
He added that the campaign hoped to encourage pubs to try communicating with the public through social media, e-newsletters, press releases to the local media and leaflet drops.
For more information on Community Pubs Month go to www.communitypubscampaign.org.uk
Events happening across the country:
Pubs across Britain are organising numerous events in April to help raise the profile of pubs and pub-going. Here is just a small sample:
The Ropemakers, Bridport, Dorset
The pub has more than 20 events planned throughout April which include Cheese Club (9 April), Knit ‘n’ Natter (28 April), Scalextric Championships (14 April) variety of music acts (throughout the month) and a talk on meditation (3 April)
The Old Bell Inn, Saddleworth
Mad Hatters Tea Party, 4 April, Gourmet Dinner inspired by Alice in Wonderland raising money for Francis House Children Hospice
The Woodman, Outwood, Wakefield
The pub will host a Charity Music Festival on 19 April for the Ben Manning Music Foundation who help disadvantaged families get their children in to music.
Iron Horse Ranch House, Market Depping
11 – 13 April Skool of Rock & Roll. This event will raise money for Sense and The National Association for Bikers with a Disability.
The Alexandra, Farnborough, Hants
Variety of music acts including Friday Night Fever (70’s and 80s disco hits) on 11 April and a Motown charity evening on 18 April.
King of the Belgians, Hartford, Huntingdon
April Easter Egg Hunt, Good Friday Raffle, Quiz night, Music Quiz Night, St Georges Day Party and chocolate raffle for all charity.
The Bull, Blackmore End, Braintree, Essex
A lot planned for the Bank Holiday weekend (18 -21) including Sausage Eating competition, magic, face painting, gourmet BBQ, local Children’s 5-a-side football competition, young bakers competition and Easter Egg Hunt.
