Report Reveals 32 Wrexham Pub Closures

A report has revealed that 32 pubs have shut their doors in the Wrexham area over the past 3 years.

A report into the social impact of the smoking ban across the UK has revealed that there have been 32 pub closures across the Wrexham and Clwyd South areas since the ban was imposed in 2007.

The figures, which go up to 2010, are amongst the highest in Wales, with Clwyd South witnessing 20 closures (only second to Cardiff) and Wrexham 12.

The report, carried out by CR Consulting, links closely the effects of the smoking ban with the increase in pub closures since 2007. It also concludes that urban areas are likely to be harder hit by closures.

Speaking ahead of a Welsh Government debate on the matter Llyr Huws Gruffydd, Plaid Cymru’s new Assembly Member for North Wales, has called for greater support for community-run pubs.

He said: “That’s one every fortnight between 2007-2010 and the rate of closure is going to increase in this grim economic climate unless we take positive action. The pub is an important feature of many communities, both urban and rural, and is suffering from a combination of high rents from pubcos, the supermarkets actively promoting cut-price alcohol and the general economic downturn.”

“Losing a pub means losing an important community asset, where people can enjoy a drink responsibly. Areas such as Clwyd South have seen 20 pubs close in just three years, mirroring the big job losses that were seen in that area.”

“There are initiatives such as ‘The pub is the hub’ and support available from the Wales Cooperative Centre but we need more people to be aware that these community-run enterprises are an option for them. They can also be fantastic opportunities to promote the growing interest in Welsh food and drink by sourcing their supplies locally.”

Plaid Cymru’s Llyr Huws Gruffydd praised the return of Wrexham Lager to the town.

Mr Gruffydd was also full of enthusiasm about the return of Wrexham Lager, which we revealed last week, he said: “There are now more than 50 Welsh breweries and it’s great news that Wrexham Lager is coming back on tap. Having more community pubs as outlets can only be good for our food and drink industry.”

The full report into the effects of the smoking ban can be found here:
http://orderorder.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/smoking_ban_social_impact_study230611-3.pdf

Do you feel that the smoking ban has had a negative or positive effect on local pubs? Join the debate using our comment box below.