A pub featured in the television series Doc Martin has closed, with the landlord citing rising costs including minimum wage increases as a key factor. The Cornish pub, which served as a filming location, is among many struggling to stay afloat.
The government has announced a £3.3 million support package to help community pubs diversify into ventures such as restaurants and shops without planning permission. Pubs minister John Healey said the measures aim to give publicans more support to diversify and punters more choice.
However, some commentators argue that the support does not address underlying issues such as high alcohol duty, the smoking ban, and competition from cheap supermarket alcohol. One respondent noted that it is cheaper to drink at home due to high taxes and bills, while another called for revoking 24-hour drinking licenses and increasing duty on off-sales.
The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) welcomed the announcement, with chief executive Mike Benner calling it a great day for people who care about community pubs. But for many landlords, the measures may come too late to save their businesses.
