Pubs will go on closing, public say

By CHRISTINE LAVELLE
Published on 20/09/2012 02:03

Three-quarters of people believe the trend of pub closures will continue, according to a report.

In the past five years 703 local pubs in Scotland have shut, according to Local Pub: Local Hub?, an independent report commissioned by Carling brewer Molson Coors.

During that period, two or more pubs closed in 67 of the country’s 73 MSP constituencies, it said.

Molson Coors highlighted the importance of pubs, arguing that they act as “local stand-ins” for disappearing communal amenities such as social clubs and community centres.

A third of people visit their local at least twice a month, while two-fifths of male respondents said it was important to have a pub within walking distance of their home.

Phil Whitehead, managing director of Molson Coors Scotland, said: “Local pubs have long been a cornerstone of Scottish communities and provide people with a great place to meet and socialise.”

Justice secretary Kenny Mac-Askill said: “I look forward to considering the findings of this report that Molson Coors have commissioned, and encourage everyone to recognise the value of their local pubs.”