SCOTTISH pubs are closing at a rate of one every two days, says a licensed trade lobbying group.

The British Beer and Pub Association, whose Scottish wing represents almost one-third of 5200 public houses, said that across the UK as a whole five pubs a day closed in the first half of this year.

The study shows that closure rates are up 33% from the 27 closures a week in 2007, nine times faster than in 2006 and 18 times faster than in 2005.

The current economic downturn and its impact on household finances have been blamed, while in Scotland it has been claimed that the cost of the transition into the new licensing system is driving many owners out of the trade.

BBPA chief executive Rob Hayward said: "Thousands of much-loved community pubs are under threat."

It comes as new figures show just 40% of all alcohol is now sold in traditional outlets such as bars, eateries and nightclubs.

Meanwhile, opponents of plans to raise the age for buying alcohol in shops and off-sales today stepped up their campaign.

The Scottish Government has put forward proposals to raise the legal age limit for buying drink in off-licences to 21.

But today the Coalition Against Raising the Drink- ing Age in Scotland's Tom French said: "Raising the minimum purchase age won't help solve Scotland's alcohol problem."