𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Pubs are a vital defence against loneliness in modern Britain as the population ages, a new report claims. Meeting friends and other members of the local community in the pub boosts “wellbeing” by up to £30billion a year, according to research by WPI Strategy.

The report for the British Beer and Pubs Association says around three million adults in England feel lonely always or often.

The “social cost” of severe loneliness – which takes into account the impact on health and productivity – is estimated at more than £12,000 a year per person per year.

Martin Beck, former Treasury economist and report author, said: “For many people a pub is not simply somewhere to buy a drink. It is where friendships are maintained, sports teams gather, local groups meet and neighbours bump into one another. That matters because human beings are social creatures. Decades of research have shown that strong social relationships are among the most important determinants of happiness, wellbeing and even physical health. People who feel connected to their communities tend to be happier, healthier and less lonely.”

The report does not turn a blind eye to the dangers of excessive drinking and acknowledges that for some people “abstaining is the better choice”. But it voices concern that the benefits of pubs are “largely overlooked”.

Emma McClarkin of the British Beer and Pub Association said: “This report shows just how important pubs are to our national wellbeing, which the Treasury’s own methodology proves creates billions in wellbeing value. This is proof that pubs not only contribute economically but they create precious, and often under-appreciated, social value that has a deeply positive effect on individuals and communities.

“Given the unique and crucial value they provide, we should be protecting pubs, which are closing at a worrying rate due to the excessive burden of tax, regulation and rising employment costs. Government must recognise the incomparable economic and social value pubs bring through permanent long-term regulatory and tax reform that will keep our treasured locals open.”

A Government spokesperson said: “We are backing Britain’s pubs – cutting this year’s business rates bills by 15% followed by a two year freeze, extending World Cup opening hours and increasing the Hospitality Support Fund to £10million to help venues grow while later this year, we’ll build on our Pride in Place programme with our a new high streets strategy to revitalise our town centres later this year.

“This comes on top of capping corporation tax, cutting alcohol duty on draught pints and six cuts in interest rates, benefiting businesses in every part of Britain.”