Pub closures slowing down

Pub managers will be relieved to hear that pub closures have slowed from 52 to 39 per week, according to the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA).

The latest figures from the BBPA show that 1,013 pubs closed down during the second half of 2009, in contrast to over 1,300 in the first half of the year. Consequently, the numbers of UK pubs have dropped by over 6,000 since licensing laws came into place back in 2005.

Despite the rate of pub closures slowing down, the BBPA have cautioned that closures are still at unnaturally high levels. They are urging the government to ease the burden of red tape and above inflation beer tax increases.

The Chief Executive of the BBPA, Brigid Simmonds, commented that pubs make a valuable and significant "contribution to both the national economy and community life."

Ms Simmonds went on to stress the need for the government to work with the pub industry and put policies in place that "support pubs and local communities."

Over last year a higher number of independently owned pubs fell at a rate of 22 a week in comparison to 12 a week in the leased or tenanted sector.