One third of NW pubs ‘at risk’

OVER a third (36%) of the North West pubs and bars are at risk of failure in the next 12 months, according to research by R3, the insolvency trade body.

This figure compares to 25% of businesses at risk in the region overall. The figures show that 499 pub businesses are at risk of collapse.
 
Jeremy Oddie, North West regional chair of R3 and head of recoveries at accountants Mitchell Charlesworth, said: “The downturn has gone on far longer than could have been predicted and it is getting harder for people to find the money to spend ondiscretionary items.

“Instead of going to the pub, many people are buying drinks from the supermarket and stopping in. The strain on pubs and bars is reallyshowing.”
 
While the North West figures were just above the national average of 35%, they were topped by London, where 37% of pubs and bars are at risk.
 
Mr Oddie added: “Many bars are offering incentives and discounts to try and get people through the door, but for some even this will not be enough. Customers are getting more and more discerning about what they drink and where. Those which cannot compete with the most trendy, convenient or best value may well face closure in the not too distant future.”