The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has invited new first minister of Wales, Vaughan Gething, for a drink to discuss the future of the nation’s pubs.
CAMRA data shows that 73 pubs in Wales closed for business in 2023. There were an additional ten closures where the building is no longer being used as a pub or has been converted to another use.
CAMRA wants to see a rethink on the decision to reduce help with business rates for hospitality businesses. Campaigners also want to see the introduction of protections in Wales’ planning system to give communities a chance to save their local pub by requiring planning permission to be obtained before a pub is converted or demolished.
Currently, Wales has the weakest planning safeguards for pubs in Great Britain. Following the demolition of the Crooked House in Staffordshire, the pub will have to be rebuilt. But no such pub protection laws exist in Wales.
“I would like to congratulate Vaughan Gething on becoming first minister,” said CAMRA chairman Nik Antona. “We know he has a lot in his in-tray, but beer drinkers and pub-goers across the country will want the protection and promotion of community pubs and Welsh beer to be among the new first minister’s priorities.
“That’s why we are inviting him to have a drink on us at a pub of his choice to discuss the uncertain future of Welsh pubs, clubs, breweries, and cider makers.
“With more pubs having closed or being converted to other uses last year, CAMRA members want the Welsh government to do more to stem the loss of pubs as community hubs up and down the country.”
