Pubs 'have got better since 1970s'

September 12, 2007: A majority of pub-goers think the 2007 pub experience is better than that of the 1970s.

That's the conclusion of a survey by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), carried out to mark the launch of the 35th anniversary edition of its Good Beer Guide.

Among the survey's key findings were:

l 62% of those polled preferred today’s pubs compared to those in the 1970s. But only 53% aged 51 years old or over, who could legally drink in 1974, thought that today’s pubs were better.

l 45% of those that preferred pubs in the 1970s believe the pub felt "more of a local" in those days, with 16% believing it offered a better atmosphere.

l 31% of those that prefer today’s pubs do so because you can no longer smoke in them. The smoking issue seems to be of more concern to women, with 47% agreeing with this statement (53% of the women aged 51 or more). Only 27% of all men polled and 30% of those aged 51 years old gave smoking as the reason for choosing present day pubs as their favourite.

l The improved choice of drinks was the most popular reason for men preferring present day pubs. Some 33% agreed with this statement.
Almost one in three people surveyed felt that the smoking ban has been the most significant change to pubs in the last 35 years, although those aged over 51 felt the improved beer selection to be more significant.

Tony Jerome, CAMRA’s marketing manager said: “I think it is good news for the pub industry that pub-goers feel today’s pubs are better than those in the 1970s, when the Good Beer Guide was first issued. This improvement in pubs means it has never been as competitive as it is today to get in our guide.

“Nevertheless, the figures were very close when the question was only asked to those who could legally drink alcohol in pubs in 1974 and are now 51 years old or more. These people have more experience and better memories of the pubs in the 1970s and I think that a large number of pubs could still improve what they are offering the consumer today and should take notice of the results from this poll."

He added: “The smoking ban will obviously have an impact on pubs, but that doesn’t necessarily have to be negative. Millions of people are set to return to pubs now that a ban on smoking has been enforced and licensees need to make sure that they are providing the service that these people want.

"Getting back to making the pub feel more of a ‘local’ by being individual, creating a better atmosphere for people from all age groups to enjoy the same pub, dedicating areas for adults to socialise, making the pub appealing to women and improving the beer selection may improve many community pubs and therefore give them a better chance of making the 2009 Good Beer Guide.”

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