Around 28,000 pubs across the UK have closed since the 1970s, according to figures released to mark the launch of the Good Beer Guide 2018.
The Guide reports that when Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) was formed in the early 1970s, Britain had 75,000 pubs. The number is now fewer than 50,000, it says, with the effects of the new business rates revaluation introduced in April, likely to contribute to further closures.
'The British pub is unique – it is rooted in our island’s history,' Good Beer Guide editor Roger Protz said. 'There is no better place for people to meet, enjoy a beer, strike up a conversation, make new friends and put the world to rights. Above all, the British pub…has character and an atmosphere that could never be replaced.'
CAMRA recently launched a campaign calling for an annual £5,000 reduction in business rates for every pub across England.
The Good Beer Guide is now in its 45th edition.
