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DEATH OF THE PUB? |
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BY STEVE |
28/03/04
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| According to statistics released earlier this week it appears that once again the British local pub is under threat, not from the government or even the growing pub chains, this time from supermarkets and off licences. New figures suggest that more people are staying in and drinking beer at home than ever before. Currently nearly 40 per cent of beer purchases are from shops, compared to 14 per cent in 1982. Following this trend could mean over 50 per cent will be purchased this way by the turn of the decade. There is much debate as to the cause of this with sociologists suggesting that it is due to the increase in variety and quality of home entertainment, but most drinkers will tell you it is more likely down to the rising prices of pub beer in comparison to supermarket purchased beer. For example, a quick look at a leaflet from a local supermarket shows Carling to be approximately £0.70 per pint (based on 24 x 440ml) compared to the average pub price of in excess of £2.50. With figures like this it is easy to see why the dramatic change has occurred in the last 20 years, but does this mean even more of out traditional pubs will close? Trade insiders insist this will not happen, they say evolution is the answer and they are already adapting to this with a greater selection of drinks and the serving of food. But what about the pubs that don`t want to go down this route, or simply can't, what will happen to them? The simple answer is nobody knows and only time will tell. |
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