Keeping Pubs Going
Jan. 22nd, 2012 07:03 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
jazzy_daveAn article in the Tory rag The Mail (washes mouth out in disgust) today about how we can keep our pub tradition going was on the whole sound and spot on. I agree that supermarket prices on cheap booze should be increased , but I personally doubt it will stop binge drinking and the social problems associated with it. Unfortunately it has become a cultural problem where it is cool to get wandered, and drink to excess. It is like a badge of honour, I only have to look somewhere at close quarters to know that is true (and I am not talking about myself).
Also whilst increasing supermarket prices , the tax on drinks in pubs should be lowered to encourage social drinking and the appreciation of a good pint. Connected with this the government should look into the situation of tied houses where any landlord who does well gets his rents hiked up. It is madness that Phil can only sell Guinness form his company at a higher price than buying it on the open market, and that he is not allowed to sell guest beers unless specified by Shit n' Scream.
Food is one way that pubs can survive, and things like putting on poker nights or evening entertainment do help,but unless the prices in the pub of normal drinks become more profitable for the pub rather than the tax man and all the middle men, then this situation will see more local pubs close leaving a coterie of city pubs aimed squarely at the young and irresponsible.
This is why I am still amazed that places like the Evening Star do so well, despite not being a food venue, and then perhaps not, when you consider it is generally a real ale drinker's venue that has a big turnover of drinks from the weakest 3.4 % beer to the strongest imperial ale. Prices are reasonable as well. Dark Star Revelation was £3.50 a pint and the half of the Bearded Lady was the same price for a half, (and these are strong beers which I respect – you can't have too many of them), and I don't mind paying those prices against bog standard Masterbrew which is almost three quid a pint.
So guys and girls support your local pub.
Also whilst increasing supermarket prices , the tax on drinks in pubs should be lowered to encourage social drinking and the appreciation of a good pint. Connected with this the government should look into the situation of tied houses where any landlord who does well gets his rents hiked up. It is madness that Phil can only sell Guinness form his company at a higher price than buying it on the open market, and that he is not allowed to sell guest beers unless specified by Shit n' Scream.
Food is one way that pubs can survive, and things like putting on poker nights or evening entertainment do help,but unless the prices in the pub of normal drinks become more profitable for the pub rather than the tax man and all the middle men, then this situation will see more local pubs close leaving a coterie of city pubs aimed squarely at the young and irresponsible.
This is why I am still amazed that places like the Evening Star do so well, despite not being a food venue, and then perhaps not, when you consider it is generally a real ale drinker's venue that has a big turnover of drinks from the weakest 3.4 % beer to the strongest imperial ale. Prices are reasonable as well. Dark Star Revelation was £3.50 a pint and the half of the Bearded Lady was the same price for a half, (and these are strong beers which I respect – you can't have too many of them), and I don't mind paying those prices against bog standard Masterbrew which is almost three quid a pint.
So guys and girls support your local pub.
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