Property prices threaten pubs

80% of pub closures are taking place in urban areas

More than 1,300 pubs are under threat of being closed across the country, research suggests.

The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) says that around 56 pubs are closed every month to be turned into flats, shops or offices.

The figures are based on information provided in a survey of Camra's 197 UK branches, but do not take into account new pubs opening every month.

The campaign group is calling for a change in the law, which currently allows developers to change the pubs into other retail premises without seeking permission.

Chief Executive of Camra, Mike Benner, told Working Lunch that pubs are an 'essential community amenity' disappearing in favour of quick profits.

"What we are starting to see happening is that property companies are running pubs rather than brewers.

"Companies are realising the short-term asset value of their pubs, so rather than going into it for the long-term, in some cases, they are cashing in and going for the quick buck.

"A lot of it is down to the booming property values and that quite often pubs are worth more as private houses, or shops or restaurants," he added.

With 80% of pubs closures in urban areas, Camra is calling for new policies to protect and preserve pubs in both cities and the countryside.