Bitter picture over pubs closing (From Oxford Mail)

Bitter picture over pubs closing

6:30am Monday 9th March 2009

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Pubs in Oxfordshire are closing at a rate of one every 25 days, according to a new report.

And the cull, which is showing no sign of slowing down, is affecting every Parliamentary constituency in the county.

Between June 2005 and last month – just 45 months – the number of pubs plummeted from 865 to 810, a drop of 55.

The Wantage constituency lost 17, Henley 15, Witney 13, Oxford East and Oxford West & Abingdon four each, while Banbury lost two.

Landlords and real ale fans blame high taxes, cut-price booze in supermarkets and the smoking ban for the closures.

Matt Bullock, chairman of the Oxford branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) said: “The biggest issue is the cost of alcohol – it’s very expensive.

“Landlords pay a lot for their beer and have to sell it for a high price.

“The other problem is the supermarkets. For £10 in a supermarket you can buy a week’s supply of beer. The pubs just can’t compete.”

Mr Bullock said the recession had compounded the problem.

He said: “People are tightening their purse strings and pubs are feeling the pinch.

“We want punters to support their local pub, but we realise it’s easier said than done.

“Our campaign is to try and persuade the Government not to increase beer taxes and for ministers to try and regulate the sale of alcohol in supermarkets.”

Twelve per cent of pubs in MP Ed Vaizey’s Wantage constituency have closed since June 2005.

Mr Vaizey, who drinks at the Star Inn, in Sparsholt, said the Tories planned to review alcohol taxes if they won the next election.

He said: “We’re hoping to reduce the tax on beer, but increase it on high-strength alcopops. Pubs also have to be imaginative about what kind of service they offer. My local holds steak nights and curry nights. Individual landlords can really make a difference.”

Mr Bullock added: “Pubs are vital parts of communities — they really serve a purpose. If a pub shuts, it’s unlikely to reopen.”

Nationally, 4,271 pubs have closed since June 2005, a rate of 22 every week.

The figures, compiled by research company CGA Strategy, were commissioned by Camra, the British Beer & Pub Association and the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group, which last week grilled Government ministers over the situation.

Chairman John Grogan, the Labour MP for Selby, said: “The brewing and pub industry is suffering its worst period in a century.”

The group opposes Government plans to raise tax on alcohol by two per cent above inflation over the next four years, starting next month.

The hikes follow a nine per cent increase in duty last year and an additional rise in December, which added three pence to a pint of beer.

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