CAMRA comment on the claim that pub closures will help the industry

For further information, contact the press team on press@camra.org.uk or 01727 337863

In response to the Christie & Co Business Outlook 2019, which claims the industry would be helped if a thousand pubs closed, please find below a response from CAMRA.

CAMRA Chief Executive Tom Stainer said: “The Christie report does little to acknowledge the devastating damage that a thousand pubs shutting would have on communities across the country.

“Pubs play a vital role in many local communities, offering a hub where people can come together for a range of activities and life milestones. Even when there isn’t a poignant event on the horizon, pubs act as a local support network and help combat loneliness and isolation. Every pub that closes sees a licensee or manager’s livelihood lost, along with that pub’s staff. Their importance in many individual’s lives cannot be overstated.

“Instead of closing a thousand pubs, we need greater support for them through a fairer business rates package and a stronger Pubs Code, to make sure all pubs are viable.”

More information on the Christie & Co report can be found at https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2019/01/17/1-000-pub-closures-in-the-next-two-years-would-create-sustainable-equilibrium-predicts-Christie-Co