Express & Star comment: Pubs in crisis
Pubs are in crisis. They have declined dramatically during the past decade as people have chosen to drink at home and as they have faced increased competition from the leisure and entertainment sector.
The ritual of popping out for a pint to meet friends and family has been lost. Prior to the pandemic, it was hard for them to make ends meet – during the Zoom era, it’s even tougher.
And yet hope springs eternal for those who still enjoy a decent pint of ale and a chat with their friends. There has been an increase in the number of craft breweries in the UK in recent times.
Despite the pandemic, more than 200 micro breweries have sprung up as people look to develop businesses and indulge their own passions.
Local brews are popular in this area; they have been for centuries. The region has a magnificent tradition for brewing and the industry has helped to maintain a huge number of jobs in the area.
Local brews are a cause for celebration. They reflect where they come from and bring individuality to pubs. The pubs in which they are sold also provide a focal point for local communities and bring happiness to our area, as well as economic benefit.
The Government must work hard to protect the brewing sector as we emerge slowly from Covid. It has shown itself to be flexible and adept at dealing with adversity and it is important that Ministers listen to voices from the sector as they stop the decline among pubs.
It is not just Governments that have a role to play. We must also realise that if we choose to spend our money on supermarket beer we are doing so at the cost of some local brewers and pubs. There is only so much money to go around and as consumers it is vital that we support local industries, where possible. That helps to protect the local economy, keeps people in work, restores civic pride and helps to foster community links.
Knowing that raising a pint will boost our local economy is something that we can all drink to when Covid regulations change and it is safe.
