SUFFOLK drinkers could see the number of community pubs decimated and the price of beer shoot through the roof in future, according to new forecasts.The predictions have been made by CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, in their latest edition of the Good Beer Guide.
SUFFOLK drinkers could see the number of community pubs decimated and the price of beer shoot through the roof in future, according to new forecasts.
The predictions have been made by CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, in their latest edition of the Good Beer Guide.
Roger Protz, editor of the guide, said: "These are generally gloomy predictions which could become a reality if Britain does not begin to look after its beer industry."
The predictions are due to come to fruition in 2032 according to Mr Protz, who believes the government needs to act to help the industry.
He called for a "national strategy to deal with growing anti-competitiveness by large pub chains and global brewers".
Camra predicts that within the next thirty years global companies will assert an "increased stranglehold" on the industry.
The other predictions claim that by 2032 nearly 8,000 community pubs will have closed, beer will cost £25 a pint and 60pc of all beer will be drunk at home.
It also predicts that just two major brewers will produce two beer brands each, with two big chains controlling 50pc of all pubs.
Although there are predictions for 40pc (up to 600) more specialised breweries to be selling local real ales, these will have a tiny share of the total market.
Locals at the Tattingstone White Horse seemed concerned about the gloomy predictions.
Eric Osben, 43, of Quince Close, Brantham, said: "There are a lot of these sort pubs being turned into houses. But the reason this is happening is because not enough people come out to pubs.
"But I have been coming here for 15 years and I have to say I haven't noticed that big a change in the number of people using the pub."
Arthur Newton, 49, who is from Nottingham but works in Colchester, said: "We will travel a long way for a good village pub. We want somewhere were we can come and have a chat and they vital.
"It is important that local pubs stay as they are the only meeting place for people – there are no real alternatives."
WEB LINK
www.camra.org.uk
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