New research released in April 2014 by CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, shows that 38% of British adults ‘never’ visit the pub and over a third (36%) of pub-goers visit the pub less often than they did just 12 months ago.

The independent research, commissioned by CAMRA, also showed that 80% of pub-goers have never received any form of communication from their most local pub, but 24% of these people said they would be encouraged to visit the pub more often if they were informed of what events the pub had planned.

CAMRA was also concerned to see regular pub-goers, those that visit pubs ‘once a week or more’, had decreased from 24% to 15% in the last five years. This information was released prior to Community Pubs Month.

Colin Valentine, CAMRA’s Chairman said, “In 2009, 27% of adults ‘never’ visited pubs and in just five years this figure has increased to 38%. Many of these people (40%) state they do not use pubs because they no longer drink alcohol or have reduced the amount of alcohol they drink. Great community pubs are not only about enjoying alcoholic drinks. They are great places to relax, socialise, eat and spend time with the family. CAMRA and the pub industry have to work hard to get this message out and events such as Community Pubs Month will give us the platform to do this.”

Mr Valentine added “A staggering 28 pubs close every week in Britain so it is important we all take this research seriously. Although many pubs excel in communication, it is clear that a lot of pubs need to engage more with their local community if they want to be successful. Organising events that appeal to the local community and communicating what they have planned is a necessity according to this report. Many successful pubs send out regular communication to their community through social media, e-newsletters, press releases to the local media and leaflet drops. We hope Community Pubs Month will give the less inexperienced pub marketers the opportunity to try different communication methods in April.”

CAMRA’s previous pub campaigns have highlighted in the media the important role pubs play in our communities. They have raised over £100m for charities, employ over 500,000 people and along with the brewing industry add £19 billion to the economy.

Colin Valentine concluded, “Pubs are an important part of our heritage and play a major role in many communities across Britain. We must support them before more close.”