Do you think the pub business will become a thing of the past in Britain and Ireland?

Question

Do you think they'll increase the drinking age to 21 for pubs?

Answer 1

It seems to be getting like that!

Answer 2

It wouldn't surprise me if they changed the drinking age to 21. This will just force young people to drink in parks, or at house parties...but this brings its own problems.

The British/Irish governments' attitude to drink seems to be to introduce more laws and taxes. If this continues, it will force drinking underground. Something akin to the alcohol prohibition in the States. I’m looking forward to getting down to the local SpeakEasy for a pint!

Answer 3

h**l no - pubs are here to stay.

Answer 4

no, never

Answer 5

Yes pubs as we know them are on the way out,   Licensed restaurants is what most will become,  with the emphasis on the food  , Pubs make far more from food than from  drinks now.  Social clubs and the like  with nice  bars and lounges will still survive  as they usually have membership fees and a regular clientele.  Also they have various forms of entertainment, Bars in hotels will also survive as they are ancillary to the main business,  It is the stand alone old fashioned pubs that will feel the pinch most and disappear,

Answer 6

Yes, small local community pubs are dying because of the smoking ban - they are all becoming yuppie resturant type things.

Answer 7

Britain and Ireland without pubs?? Preposterous!

Answer 8

cant call that one,, but its a bas**rd seeing some real good boozers shutting

Answer 9

England, possibly.  Ireland, certainly not.  If you've ever ventured out of the cities in that country, you'll notice that pretty much your ONLY option to eat out is at a local pub.  It's a meeting house, a place to get alcohol, and some local food.  If they are on their way out, many small towns will have no places for locals or tourists to eat out at..

Answer 10

it could  happen because the pubs are charging too much for drinks. it costs , in my local, £3 for a pint of lager. sometimes £2.90. i can buy beer in supermarkets for 50 pence a pint. cider is available at around 50 pence a pint in supermarkets. i can drink at home for peanuts and i dont have to pay for a taxi home. i can play computer games. free. i can listen to music or watch tv and i can even chat to my husband and its cheaper and easier than going to the pub. i also dont have to listen to smokers moaning about having to go outside.

Answer 11

Many booze outlets now demand that a person prove their age to be 21.  No ID = no booze.

Personally, I would not mind the demise of the so-called English pub - a place full of ruffians and drunks.

I much prefer an Irish pub, where a man may drink in peace and have a meal and a chat.

The entire pub business is very much in decline both here in UK and I guess also in Ireland.

Lots of factors really.  Smoke ban, price of drinks etc.

I've just had a four day break in Paris and found life there much more interesting - yes, I think the Continental cafe/bar/bistro, is very much where we might be headed, especially here in London where I live.

One of my worst ever drinking experiences was in Croydon - blimey!  The town was full of drunken chavs, most of whom were being refused entry to the pubs due to their age.  Most looked to be somewhere between 12 and 14 - never mind 21.

The age of 21 is a safe bet for most pubs/venues selling booze.  They cannot afford to lose their drinks license because some under age kid got pissed in there.

I don't want to scare anyone, but I know of one pub here in London which will not allow people under 30 to enter.  I'm not saying this is where we're headed, but be warned.

In my youth, the pub was very much the centre of the community and people of all age groups gathered there to talk about this or that or debate the issues of the day etc.

The pub as we knew or know it, has really had it's day.  What people seem to want is something more continental.  The Witherspoons group are heading in that direction, with sections for families, dining areas etc.  And some of their pubs are really big, brightly lit and a good evening out experience all round. . . . .

Answer 12

27 a week closing, at the moment. That speaks for itself.

Answer 13

i think too many people like going out drinking, even with the cost of booze these days.

Having a night out seems such a huge deal of most people so i think Pubs are always going to be with us.