E-Malt.com News article: United Kingdom: Pubs lose in number to supermarkets for the first time in British history

The latest figures from IGD, the leading research body which monitors the grocery market, show there are now more supermarkets than pubs for the first time in Britain, The Telegraph communicated on March, 21.

The statistics highlights the dramatic decline of the country's once thriving pub industry.

Politicians and the hostelry industry believe the demise of pubs is another sad example of Britain losing its traditional neighbourhood services, echoing the struggle facing post offices and independent shops.

According to IGD, there are 55,854 supermarkets and convenience stores in the Kingdom.

For the first time ever this is a greater number than the amount of pubs, which had fallen from 61,000 a decade ago to 54,818 by the end of last year, according to the British Beer and Pub Association.

The figures come in the same week that the pub industry expressed dismay that the Government had dismissed the advice of its chief medical officer, Sir Liam Donaldson.

Sir Liam recommended a minimum price per unit of alcohol, to tackle the issue of supermarkets selling cheap drink.

The pub industry has long argued that ultra-cheap beer and cider, often sold by supermarkets at a loss, has been one of the main causes for the accelerated decline of pubs. Above-inflation increases in beer duty is another cause, it says.

Sir Liam recommended a minimum price of 50p per unit of alcohol, or £1 for a can of beer – a move which would have banned supermarkets selling cans for as little as 25p.

Bob Russell, a Liberal Democratic member of the Home Affairs Select Committee, said: "It is extraordinary that some supermarkets can sell alcohol for less than bottled water.

"The Government needs to decide whether they think pubs are an important part of a sustainable community. If so, they need to think hard about their planning rules, and their taxes, which have contributed towards neighbourhood shops, neighbourhood post offices and neighbourhood pubs being squeezed out of existence."

The number of pubs has been falling for many years, but only in the last 18 months has this number accelerated, from a rate of three or four a week to 39.

By the end of this year, the BBPA forecasts there will be just 52,218.

Mark Hastings at the trade body said the fact there were more supermarkets and convenience stores than pubs was proof the industry was at a "tipping point".

"These numbers are a clear signal that more needs to be done to support beleaguered venues with real community value like pubs.

"You don't rush to celebrate a new job, new baby, engagement, wedding or your team winning the cup in the supermarket. You can't play darts, join the local football or cricket team, sing karaoke or do the quiz in the fruit and veg aisle."

Supermarkets insist they are not part of the problem.

Krishan Rama, a British Retail Consortium spokesman, said: "Supermarkets are simply offering the best value they can on all the goods they sell. Those outlets that best meet customers changing needs will continue to do well."


25 March, 2009