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MP issues pub warning

2:28pm Wednesday 20th February 2008

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Community pubs bring people together and the good role they play should not be forgotten amid Britain's binge-boozing culture, an MP has warned.

Otley MP Greg Mulholland is calling for a return of the traditional "pub culture" where people meet and enjoy a drink together.

Today he tabled a Commons motion supporting the Campaign for Real Ale's Community Pubs Week running until Saturday.

The Lib Dem MP said: "People, including Government Ministers, keep saying we need to move to some kind of continental cafe culture' in this country when what we really need is to support traditional pub culture'.

"Real community pubs, where people meet to socialise with friends and neighbours, provide an environment in which people can and do enjoy alcohol responsibly.

"If there was more emphasis on this genuine pub culture' in this country, we would not have many of the problems associated with excessive drinking.

"We should recognise the importance of these pubs to local communities and the Government needs to bring in changes to legislation to protect them.

The number of pubs closing is a matter of real concern for us as a society and if we don't act soon, we will lose an important part of our heritage."

"Losing community pubs would also bring an end to encouraging healthier attitudes towards alcohol and more needs to be done to tackle "irresponsible" drink promotions in city centre bars and supermarkets, he added.

The call comes weeks after Mr Mulholland said pubs should be forced to sell smaller glasses of wine in a bid to end Britain's growing booze culture.

He told the Commons the current weights and measures legislation needed to be amended to make all "on trade" licence premises offer the 125ml measure as well as the 175ml and 250ml offered in most places.

The Black Bull Hotel in Haworth was awarded an Improved Pub award in 2007 by the Keighley and Craven branch of the Campaign for Real Ale, for introducing better quality beer and fostering a friendlier atmosphere for drinkers.

Black Bull land lord James Williams said he agreed with Mr Mulholland's views about maintaining traditional pubs with a community atmosphere.

"A pub in a village like Haworth is the only place where people get together to relax when they finish work. It's a meeting place for all walks of life, from bin men to senior policemen, to doctors and nurses," he said.

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Your Say YourBradford Telegraph and Argus

albion, west riding says...
3:04pm Wed 20 Feb 08

Pubs going, post offices going, corner shops going, respect going, traditions going, justice going, my hair going, the whole country going (to the dogs).

Report this post »

albion, west riding says...
3:04pm Wed 20 Feb 08

Pubs going, post offices going, corner shops going, respect going, traditions going, justice going, my hair going, the whole country going (to the dogs).

Report this post »

albion, west riding says...
3:04pm Wed 20 Feb 08

Pubs going, post offices going, corner shops going, respect going, traditions going, justice going, my hair going, the whole country going (to the dogs).

Report this post »

albion, west riding says...
3:04pm Wed 20 Feb 08

Pubs going, post offices going, corner shops going, respect going, traditions going, justice going, my hair going, the whole country going (to the dogs).

Report this post »

just in, says...
3:17pm Wed 20 Feb 08

albion wrote:
Pubs going, post offices going, corner shops going, respect going, traditions going, justice going, my hair going, the whole country going (to the dogs).
correction,gone to the dogs and thats woof.

Report this post »

just in, says...
3:17pm Wed 20 Feb 08

albion wrote:
Pubs going, post offices going, corner shops going, respect going, traditions going, justice going, my hair going, the whole country going (to the dogs).
correction,gone to the dogs and thats woof.

Report this post »

just in, says...
3:17pm Wed 20 Feb 08

albion wrote:
Pubs going, post offices going, corner shops going, respect going, traditions going, justice going, my hair going, the whole country going (to the dogs).
correction,gone to the dogs and thats woof.

Report this post »

just in, says...
3:17pm Wed 20 Feb 08

albion wrote:
Pubs going, post offices going, corner shops going, respect going, traditions going, justice going, my hair going, the whole country going (to the dogs).
correction,gone to the dogs and thats woof.

Report this post »

John, Bradford says...
3:41pm Wed 20 Feb 08

Perhaps in Mr Mulholland had voted to allow smoking in such pubs, as stated in Labour's manifesto we wouldn't now be loosing part of our heritage. Although not the sole factor in this, the smoking ban has certainly had a huge effect on these pubs.

Report this post »

John, Bradford says...
3:41pm Wed 20 Feb 08

Perhaps in Mr Mulholland had voted to allow smoking in such pubs, as stated in Labour's manifesto we wouldn't now be loosing part of our heritage. Although not the sole factor in this, the smoking ban has certainly had a huge effect on these pubs.

Report this post »

John, Bradford says...
3:41pm Wed 20 Feb 08

Perhaps in Mr Mulholland had voted to allow smoking in such pubs, as stated in Labour's manifesto we wouldn't now be loosing part of our heritage. Although not the sole factor in this, the smoking ban has certainly had a huge effect on these pubs.

Report this post »

John, Bradford says...
3:41pm Wed 20 Feb 08

Perhaps in Mr Mulholland had voted to allow smoking in such pubs, as stated in Labour's manifesto we wouldn't now be loosing part of our heritage. Although not the sole factor in this, the smoking ban has certainly had a huge effect on these pubs.

Report this post »

Woody, Manningham says...
4:09pm Wed 20 Feb 08

I blame it on pork scratchings.

Report this post »

Woody, Manningham says...
4:09pm Wed 20 Feb 08

I blame it on pork scratchings.

Report this post »

Woody, Manningham says...
4:09pm Wed 20 Feb 08

I blame it on pork scratchings.

Report this post »

Woody, Manningham says...
4:09pm Wed 20 Feb 08

I blame it on pork scratchings.

Report this post »

Brad I. Stanland, Shipley says...
4:43pm Wed 20 Feb 08

The majority of the pubs in Bradford that have closed over the last twenty years have done so purely because the local population is now one that doesn't drink alcohol and that doesn't support the traditional English way of life.

There are plenty of pubs in, for example, Wibsey, Baildon, Shipley, Clayton, Wyke... and the list goes on.

Drink driving became a social taboo that closed many more rural pubs, though our 'new generation' seem keen to reverse that trend as they hurtle round full of booze and drugs.

Smoking is now socially unacceptable. We can't have everyone being poisoned just because some lame duck is too weak to fight their addiction.

Report this post »

Brad I. Stanland, Shipley says...
4:43pm Wed 20 Feb 08

The majority of the pubs in Bradford that have closed over the last twenty years have done so purely because the local population is now one that doesn't drink alcohol and that doesn't support the traditional English way of life.

There are plenty of pubs in, for example, Wibsey, Baildon, Shipley, Clayton, Wyke... and the list goes on.

Drink driving became a social taboo that closed many more rural pubs, though our 'new generation' seem keen to reverse that trend as they hurtle round full of booze and drugs.

Smoking is now socially unacceptable. We can't have everyone being poisoned just because some lame duck is too weak to fight their addiction.

Report this post »

Brad I. Stanland, Shipley says...
4:43pm Wed 20 Feb 08

The majority of the pubs in Bradford that have closed over the last twenty years have done so purely because the local population is now one that doesn't drink alcohol and that doesn't support the traditional English way of life.

There are plenty of pubs in, for example, Wibsey, Baildon, Shipley, Clayton, Wyke... and the list goes on.

Drink driving became a social taboo that closed many more rural pubs, though our 'new generation' seem keen to reverse that trend as they hurtle round full of booze and drugs.

Smoking is now socially unacceptable. We can't have everyone being poisoned just because some lame duck is too weak to fight their addiction.

Report this post »

Brad I. Stanland, Shipley says...
4:43pm Wed 20 Feb 08

The majority of the pubs in Bradford that have closed over the last twenty years have done so purely because the local population is now one that doesn't drink alcohol and that doesn't support the traditional English way of life.

There are plenty of pubs in, for example, Wibsey, Baildon, Shipley, Clayton, Wyke... and the list goes on.

Drink driving became a social taboo that closed many more rural pubs, though our 'new generation' seem keen to reverse that trend as they hurtle round full of booze and drugs.

Smoking is now socially unacceptable. We can't have everyone being poisoned just because some lame duck is too weak to fight their addiction.

Report this post »

packers, Bradford says...
5:04pm Wed 20 Feb 08

the pubs considered locals - ie the pubs out of the city centres are struggling not only due to the smoking ban, but also due to competition from the supermarkets.

over xmas, 1 supermarket was selling 56 cans of carling for £20 albeit the 440ml version but that is still 43 pints for £20 or 46p a pint. when you think the average price of a pint similar is around £2.40 you can see why more and more people are opting to get their booze from the supermarkets and drink at home where they can smoke in comfort if they wish.

Report this post »

packers, Bradford says...
5:04pm Wed 20 Feb 08

the pubs considered locals - ie the pubs out of the city centres are struggling not only due to the smoking ban, but also due to competition from the supermarkets.

over xmas, 1 supermarket was selling 56 cans of carling for £20 albeit the 440ml version but that is still 43 pints for £20 or 46p a pint. when you think the average price of a pint similar is around £2.40 you can see why more and more people are opting to get their booze from the supermarkets and drink at home where they can smoke in comfort if they wish.

Report this post »

packers, Bradford says...
5:04pm Wed 20 Feb 08

the pubs considered locals - ie the pubs out of the city centres are struggling not only due to the smoking ban, but also due to competition from the supermarkets.

over xmas, 1 supermarket was selling 56 cans of carling for £20 albeit the 440ml version but that is still 43 pints for £20 or 46p a pint. when you think the average price of a pint similar is around £2.40 you can see why more and more people are opting to get their booze from the supermarkets and drink at home where they can smoke in comfort if they wish.

Report this post »

packers, Bradford says...
5:04pm Wed 20 Feb 08

the pubs considered locals - ie the pubs out of the city centres are struggling not only due to the smoking ban, but also due to competition from the supermarkets.

over xmas, 1 supermarket was selling 56 cans of carling for £20 albeit the 440ml version but that is still 43 pints for £20 or 46p a pint. when you think the average price of a pint similar is around £2.40 you can see why more and more people are opting to get their booze from the supermarkets and drink at home where they can smoke in comfort if they wish.

Report this post »

chris, BRADFORD says...
5:18pm Wed 20 Feb 08

You cant beat a pint these days

Report this post »

chris, BRADFORD says...
5:18pm Wed 20 Feb 08

You cant beat a pint these days

Report this post »

chris, BRADFORD says...
5:18pm Wed 20 Feb 08

You cant beat a pint these days

Report this post »

chris, BRADFORD says...
5:18pm Wed 20 Feb 08

You cant beat a pint these days

Report this post »

Brad I. Stanland, Shipley says...
5:59pm Wed 20 Feb 08

Multi-channel TV, the Internet and just having had enough of being ripped-off (charging for soda, 2,000% profit on cordials, £3 a pint lemonade) have more to do with the closure of pubs than the smoking ban.

Report this post »

Brad I. Stanland, Shipley says...
5:59pm Wed 20 Feb 08

Multi-channel TV, the Internet and just having had enough of being ripped-off (charging for soda, 2,000% profit on cordials, £3 a pint lemonade) have more to do with the closure of pubs than the smoking ban.

Report this post »

Brad I. Stanland, Shipley says...
5:59pm Wed 20 Feb 08

Multi-channel TV, the Internet and just having had enough of being ripped-off (charging for soda, 2,000% profit on cordials, £3 a pint lemonade) have more to do with the closure of pubs than the smoking ban.

Report this post »

Brad I. Stanland, Shipley says...
5:59pm Wed 20 Feb 08

Multi-channel TV, the Internet and just having had enough of being ripped-off (charging for soda, 2,000% profit on cordials, £3 a pint lemonade) have more to do with the closure of pubs than the smoking ban.

Report this post »

mrs walker, round here says...
11:56pm Wed 20 Feb 08

The number of pubs closing is a matter of real concern for us as a society and if we don't act soon, we will lose an important part of our heritage."


Only a couple of weeks ago the T&A ran a story about pub management companies charging such high overheads that landlords couldn't make a living. Perhaps Mr Mulholland could address this issue rather than wallowing in rose-tinted nostalgia?

Report this post »

mrs walker, round here says...
11:56pm Wed 20 Feb 08

The number of pubs closing is a matter of real concern for us as a society and if we don't act soon, we will lose an important part of our heritage."


Only a couple of weeks ago the T&A ran a story about pub management companies charging such high overheads that landlords couldn't make a living. Perhaps Mr Mulholland could address this issue rather than wallowing in rose-tinted nostalgia?

Report this post »

mrs walker, round here says...
11:56pm Wed 20 Feb 08

The number of pubs closing is a matter of real concern for us as a society and if we don't act soon, we will lose an important part of our heritage."


Only a couple of weeks ago the T&A ran a story about pub management companies charging such high overheads that landlords couldn't make a living. Perhaps Mr Mulholland could address this issue rather than wallowing in rose-tinted nostalgia?

Report this post »

mrs walker, round here says...
11:56pm Wed 20 Feb 08

The number of pubs closing is a matter of real concern for us as a society and if we don't act soon, we will lose an important part of our heritage."


Only a couple of weeks ago the T&A ran a story about pub management companies charging such high overheads that landlords couldn't make a living. Perhaps Mr Mulholland could address this issue rather than wallowing in rose-tinted nostalgia?

Report this post »

albion, west riding says...
6:35am Thu 21 Feb 08

mrs walker wrote:
The number of pubs closing is a matter of real concern for us as a society and if we don't act soon, we will lose an important part of our heritage."
Only a couple of weeks ago the T&A ran a story about pub management companies charging such high overheads that landlords couldn't make a living. Perhaps Mr Mulholland could address this issue rather than wallowing in rose-tinted nostalgia?
He cant.

Report this post »

albion, west riding says...
6:35am Thu 21 Feb 08

mrs walker wrote:
The number of pubs closing is a matter of real concern for us as a society and if we don't act soon, we will lose an important part of our heritage."
Only a couple of weeks ago the T&A ran a story about pub management companies charging such high overheads that landlords couldn't make a living. Perhaps Mr Mulholland could address this issue rather than wallowing in rose-tinted nostalgia?
He cant.

Report this post »

albion, west riding says...
6:35am Thu 21 Feb 08

mrs walker wrote:
The number of pubs closing is a matter of real concern for us as a society and if we don't act soon, we will lose an important part of our heritage."
Only a couple of weeks ago the T&A ran a story about pub management companies charging such high overheads that landlords couldn't make a living. Perhaps Mr Mulholland could address this issue rather than wallowing in rose-tinted nostalgia?
He cant.

Report this post »

albion, west riding says...
6:35am Thu 21 Feb 08

mrs walker wrote:
The number of pubs closing is a matter of real concern for us as a society and if we don't act soon, we will lose an important part of our heritage."
Only a couple of weeks ago the T&A ran a story about pub management companies charging such high overheads that landlords couldn't make a living. Perhaps Mr Mulholland could address this issue rather than wallowing in rose-tinted nostalgia?
He cant.

Report this post »

sajenkin, Odsal says...
10:51am Thu 21 Feb 08

The idea that the smoking ban has led to the closure of pubs is frankly barmy. I regularly use pubs and can honestly say that I have not noticed a drop off in trade. It is the changing nature of society, the demographic mix, far greater choice, a growth in interest in wines, and a whole host of factors that is leading to this decline. The industry is plagued by pubcos and national brewers that are interested in making huge profits selling grossly overpriced superchilled beer/apple flavoured fizzy alcoholic water that is a triumph of marketing over quality. They target the lager swilling bingers because they can sell them dross and make a vast profit.
The result? The casual/regular drinker - couples who like a quiet drink in a social setting - they are left to find the odd oasis of conviviality and quality, drink at home more cheaply, or just not bother.
The answer? Actively seek out and drink crafted beers lagers and ciders. Shun the pasteurised electric pump for the hand pump. By curtailing the profits of the big boys it just might make them realise that there is more to a pub than high volume sales of low quality goods.

Report this post »

sajenkin, Odsal says...
10:51am Thu 21 Feb 08

The idea that the smoking ban has led to the closure of pubs is frankly barmy. I regularly use pubs and can honestly say that I have not noticed a drop off in trade. It is the changing nature of society, the demographic mix, far greater choice, a growth in interest in wines, and a whole host of factors that is leading to this decline. The industry is plagued by pubcos and national brewers that are interested in making huge profits selling grossly overpriced superchilled beer/apple flavoured fizzy alcoholic water that is a triumph of marketing over quality. They target the lager swilling bingers because they can sell them dross and make a vast profit.
The result? The casual/regular drinker - couples who like a quiet drink in a social setting - they are left to find the odd oasis of conviviality and quality, drink at home more cheaply, or just not bother.
The answer? Actively seek out and drink crafted beers lagers and ciders. Shun the pasteurised electric pump for the hand pump. By curtailing the profits of the big boys it just might make them realise that there is more to a pub than high volume sales of low quality goods.

Report this post »

sajenkin, Odsal says...
10:51am Thu 21 Feb 08

The idea that the smoking ban has led to the closure of pubs is frankly barmy. I regularly use pubs and can honestly say that I have not noticed a drop off in trade. It is the changing nature of society, the demographic mix, far greater choice, a growth in interest in wines, and a whole host of factors that is leading to this decline. The industry is plagued by pubcos and national brewers that are interested in making huge profits selling grossly overpriced superchilled beer/apple flavoured fizzy alcoholic water that is a triumph of marketing over quality. They target the lager swilling bingers because they can sell them dross and make a vast profit.
The result? The casual/regular drinker - couples who like a quiet drink in a social setting - they are left to find the odd oasis of conviviality and quality, drink at home more cheaply, or just not bother.
The answer? Actively seek out and drink crafted beers lagers and ciders. Shun the pasteurised electric pump for the hand pump. By curtailing the profits of the big boys it just might make them realise that there is more to a pub than high volume sales of low quality goods.

Report this post »

sajenkin, Odsal says...
10:51am Thu 21 Feb 08

The idea that the smoking ban has led to the closure of pubs is frankly barmy. I regularly use pubs and can honestly say that I have not noticed a drop off in trade. It is the changing nature of society, the demographic mix, far greater choice, a growth in interest in wines, and a whole host of factors that is leading to this decline. The industry is plagued by pubcos and national brewers that are interested in making huge profits selling grossly overpriced superchilled beer/apple flavoured fizzy alcoholic water that is a triumph of marketing over quality. They target the lager swilling bingers because they can sell them dross and make a vast profit.
The result? The casual/regular drinker - couples who like a quiet drink in a social setting - they are left to find the odd oasis of conviviality and quality, drink at home more cheaply, or just not bother.
The answer? Actively seek out and drink crafted beers lagers and ciders. Shun the pasteurised electric pump for the hand pump. By curtailing the profits of the big boys it just might make them realise that there is more to a pub than high volume sales of low quality goods.

Report this post »

mrs walker, round here says...
10:10pm Thu 21 Feb 08

albion wrote:
mrs walker wrote:
The number of pubs closing is a matter of real concern for us as a society and if we don't act soon, we will lose an important part of our heritage."
Only a couple of weeks ago the T&A ran a story about pub management companies charging such high overheads that landlords couldn't make a living. Perhaps Mr Mulholland could address this issue rather than wallowing in rose-tinted nostalgia?
He cant.
Why can't he, Albion?

Report this post »

mrs walker, round here says...
10:10pm Thu 21 Feb 08

albion wrote:
mrs walker wrote:
The number of pubs closing is a matter of real concern for us as a society and if we don't act soon, we will lose an important part of our heritage."
Only a couple of weeks ago the T&A ran a story about pub management companies charging such high overheads that landlords couldn't make a living. Perhaps Mr Mulholland could address this issue rather than wallowing in rose-tinted nostalgia?
He cant.
Why can't he, Albion?

Report this post »

mrs walker, round here says...
10:10pm Thu 21 Feb 08

albion wrote:
mrs walker wrote:
The number of pubs closing is a matter of real concern for us as a society and if we don't act soon, we will lose an important part of our heritage."
Only a couple of weeks ago the T&A ran a story about pub management companies charging such high overheads that landlords couldn't make a living. Perhaps Mr Mulholland could address this issue rather than wallowing in rose-tinted nostalgia?
He cant.
Why can't he, Albion?

Report this post »

mrs walker, round here says...
10:10pm Thu 21 Feb 08

albion wrote:
mrs walker wrote:
The number of pubs closing is a matter of real concern for us as a society and if we don't act soon, we will lose an important part of our heritage."
Only a couple of weeks ago the T&A ran a story about pub management companies charging such high overheads that landlords couldn't make a living. Perhaps Mr Mulholland could address this issue rather than wallowing in rose-tinted nostalgia?
He cant.
Why can't he, Albion?

Report this post »

albion, west riding says...
6:35am Fri 22 Feb 08

Because he doesnt have the power to set the cost of a private tenancy agreement, nor should he have.

Report this post »

albion, west riding says...
6:35am Fri 22 Feb 08

Because he doesnt have the power to set the cost of a private tenancy agreement, nor should he have.

Report this post »

albion, west riding says...
6:35am Fri 22 Feb 08

Because he doesnt have the power to set the cost of a private tenancy agreement, nor should he have.

Report this post »

albion, west riding says...
6:35am Fri 22 Feb 08

Because he doesnt have the power to set the cost of a private tenancy agreement, nor should he have.

Report this post »

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