- CAMRA launch Community Pubs Month in April to raise profile of pub-going in Britain
- New research highlights better communication with locals can help community pubs
New research released today 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 been communicated to by 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.
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.”
April’s Community Pubs Month encourages pubs to organise a number of events throughout the month and try new marketing initiatives to improve their communication with their communities to drive more local trade into their pubs.
Colin Valentine, CAMRA’s Chairman said, “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.”
Events happening across Britain
Pubs across Britain are organising numerous events in April to help raise the profile of pubs and pub-going. Here is just a small sample:
The Ropemakers, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3QP
The pub has more than 20 events planned throughout April which include Cheese Club (9th April), Knit ‘n’ Natter (28th), Scalextric Championships (14th), variety of music acts (throughout the month) and a talk on meditation (3rd).
The Old Bell Inn, Saddleworth, 0L3 5EG
Mad Hatters Tea Party, 4th April, Gourmet Dinner inspired by Alice in Wonderland raising money for Francis House Children Hospice
The Woodman, Outwood, Wakefield, WF1 2LU
The pub will host a Charity Music Festival on 19th April for the Ben Manning Music Foundation who help disadvantaged families get their children in to music.
Iron Horse Ranch House, Market Depping PE6 8EB
11th – 13th April Skool of Rock & Roll. This event will raise money for Sense and The National Association for Bikers with a Disability.
The Alexandra, Farnborough, Hants, GU14 7PH
Variety of music acts including Friday Night Fever (70’s and 80s disco hits) on 11th April and a Motown charity evening on 18th April.
King of the Belgians, Hartford, Huntingdon, PE29 1XU
April Easter Egg Hunt, Good Friday Raffle, Quiz night, Music Quiz Night, St Georges Day Party and chocolate raffle for all charity.
The Bull, Blackmore End, Braintree, Essex, CM7 4DD
A lot planned for the Bank Holiday weekend (18th-21st) including Sausage Eating competition, magic, face painting, gourmet BBQ, local Children’s 5-a-side football competition, young bakers competition and Easter Egg Hunt.
For more information
CAMRA Press Office on 01727 798 443 or email Press Manager Neil Walker on neil.walker@camra.org.uk
www.communitypubscampaign.org.