The pubs of Kingston are rapidly closing since 2001, states the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
According to the ONS report there is a 37 percent fall in the number of pubs in Kingston this year. Kingstons pubs remain around 3.4 per 10,000 people. That is around half the UK average which is 5.8 pubs. Mainly the small community pubs are hit more than the bigger ones.
A local pub manager whose pub has been open for ten year says she is not surprised. She thinks it’s because of the increase of prices. Also because people don’t want to go out and spend money and prefer to stay at home.
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) calls for urgent reforms, full review of the Pubs Code, and a lower rate for beer. Tom Stainer, CAMRA’s chief campaigns and communications officer, said that the huge losses have been felt by communities all over the country as beloved local pubs have closed. He states that pubs and bars play are important and have a huge role in the social environment, combatting isolation and loneliness, helping people feel connected to their community.