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Jerry Thomas and the London Politics Team
The Politics Show
London

Tough times - calling time on the traditional London pub?

There are almost 5,000 pubs in London but publicans and pub chains alike are facing a tough time.

Some public houses have been facing closure and a loss of their traditional trade.

New measures introduced in the Queen's speech to clamp down on cheap drink promotions coupled with falling property prices and ongoing hefty duty on wine, spirits and beer have not helped.

Over the first half of 2008 there were 241 pub closures in London which works out at nine per week.

If that rate were to continue and no new pubs were to open, in 10 years time London would have few if any pubs left.

Threats to pub trade

The threat to the license pub trade in London is acute and has serious implications for the economy in the capital.

London pubs turnover around £2.1bn per year and employ some 55,000 people.

Sign of the times - a derelict public house in London.

An estimated £113m has been lost in the first six months of the year by the London economy from pub closures.

With the very institution of the London 'boozer' under threat, we thought it would be an opportune moment to find out what you know about London pubs.

The Pub Quiz

Watch the Politics Show on BBC One at 1200 GMT on Sunday.

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