THE HERALD'S PLYMOUTH PUB QUESTIONNAIRE
THE HERALD'S PLYMOUTH PUB QUESTIONNAIRE
The face of the British pub is changing. As we approach the first anniversary of the introduction of the smoking ban on July 1, 2007, The Herald has quizzed landlords across the city to find out if the traditional local is at the end of the road. Eleanor Radford reports.
Questions:
1. How's business?
2. Has the smoking ban affected you?
3. Have supermarkets affected you?
4. Do you think the era of the Great British pub is over?
1. THE ADMIRAL MCBRIDE Scott Ledger - Licensee/Landlord
1. "It's been a tough winter, hoping for a good summer. People have less money to spend."
2. "Smoking ban undoubtedly had some impact. There were a few noticeable absences of locals who are heavy smokers.
3."They're staying at home drinking cheap booze from the super markets.
"When people can get cans of beer for less than £1, it's a struggle.
4. "It's not over, but there will be a shake-up. We'll lose a lot of pubs. Traditional boozers are suffering the most. We have to focus on food.
2. THE PLOUGHBOY INN, SALTASH Sheila Lennox-Boyd, Lessee 07808164388, 842861
1. "We're busy-ready for another refurb. With all the development in the area, estates have built up around and it's gone from strength to strength. We did 684 meals on Mothering Sunday.
2. "Not so affected by smoking ban because we have a nice garden and a children's play area.
3. "Prices at supermarkets are killing our trade. The price wars with the supermarkets means that booze is so cheap and accessible for kids. We're in control here in Saltash-We have schemes in place to clamp down on kids, and they are getting caught out. We have many activities for kids to do, so they're not so bored.
4. "It's gone. It's a very sad situation, they're all chains. We are careful with our prices, because we have to be. We have home-made produce, and serve things like liver and mash.
"I've been in the trade for 28 years and it's never been so hard. Our cleaner has got used to cleaning with the lights out because we spend £21,800 a year in electricity. It's so expensive. I've always been proud of our English pubs but the government needs to get a hold of the situation. Our dustbin bills have gone up by £200 a quarter.
"We're victims of rents and overheads.
"We used to run four pubs but had to pull them all into one to afford it.
"We're here for people, like counsellors. can you say the same in the chains? They are full, of student staff who don't care, they have no soul.
"We're here for a cheery word, a pint of ale and a nice meal.
3. BRITANNIA INN, (Wetherspoons) Wolseley Road 607596
Ruth Shift Manager
1. Doing well
2. Not majorly affected business, we're the only pub in the area so not particularly affected.
3. Not really affected
4. "Era of pub is beginning to look like it's over - not like it used to be - summertime isn't so bad because people can sit outside."
4. CHERRY TREE PUBLIC HOUSE 771981
Tracy Burgess, Bar maid
1. Pretty good "Things are picking up. We're getting bands in and focusing on live music to get punters in.
2. "In the winter it affected us, but not now, not really.
4. Regulars are loyal to the Great British pub. Even when they don't like the management!"
5. CORNWALLS GATE, Normandy Way 510902
1. Still quiet - trade dropped off last May - before the smoking ban - there's a change in social habits.
2. No
3. "Yes supermarkets definitely affecting business."
4. "There's going to be a contraction - big changes. The heavy boozing sessions are over, it's a more pleasant environment."
6. CROWN AND COLUMN 562833
1. "Slow, businesses are closing.
"If you don't do food, you're going downhill.
2. Not too much "We have nice, big back garden."
3. Supermarkets are effecting business.
4. "Yep - I'm 52 and I've been drinking since, whatever, you can't just go into pubs and have a good time. Prices, smoking-ban, supermarkets selling cheap drinks.
"We focus on pool tournaments, Sunday lunches, anything to get business in."
7. DRAKES DRUM, Radford Park Road, 402613 Jamie Curle, Manager
1. Business is going well
2. Not affected
3. No affected
4. Focusing on food, music, entertainment.
8. THE FALCON, Melville Road
Tom Stevenson, 569669
1. "Business is going well. Took over pub a year ago. Focusing on food, entertainment, football, music.
2. "Smoking ban slowed things down, but everyone got used to it.
3. Not really affected, lots of locals
4. "Era is definitely not over, but people are focusing on different areas. Lots of smaller pubs closed, but the bigger pubs do better."
9. THE DOLPHIN
Leanne Kelly, Barmaid, 660876
1. Business is going well with the Transat action. We've had Blues, Jazz music and a pianist.
2. Affected a little
3. "No, we're a local pub and always got the locals. Same people coming for years and they're gonna carry on coming. "We've introduced new ales, like Tribute."
4. "No-way"
10 FOXHOUND INN, Brixton
Sharon Martin, Landlady, 880271
1. Not too bad
2. "Changed, more food-lead. Thinking of ideas to keep going.
3. "Supermarkets have definitely affected the industry as a whole.
4. "I hope the era is not over, but it probably is."
11. THE RED LION Paul Deans, manager, 256881
1. "Getting better, we've been here two years, and have been doing it up since Christmas."
2. "Smoking ban has really affected business.. We notice it when it's raining, definitely a lot quieter.
3. "I've been in the trade for donkeys years and noticed the difference last year. Also the tax hikes by the Chancellor. We get through by hard work, and smiles.
"It's just about cracking on and learning to adapt. We have bands and singers, which is going down really well. It's starting to look a lot better."
12. KINGS ARMS, Tamerton Foliot Peter Smith, 773213
1. "There is still the potential in the trade which is being crushed by the big PLC's- Wetherspoons and the like."
"People seem to accept changes. Trade is slightly increasing - not a lot of profit to be made. We made a simple change, we put in a pie and pasty warmer which is going well. We also put on a fillet steak night."
2. "There's a lot of moaning about it (smoking) but not much change.
3. "The supermarkets have been around a long time, people have always gone away to France on booze cruises."
4. "People have always had the choice of cheaper social clubs, but they've always gone back to the pub."
13. EXETER INN, Modbury, Ivybridge. Michelle Hill, Licensee 01548 830 239
1. "doing really well"
2. "Smoking ban hasn't effected us, we have food, live music, a pool room."
3. "Supermarkets may have affected a little."
4. "It's not like it used to be, more food than drink these days. The old men sitting in the corner and drinking, smoking on their pipe - times are changing."
14.LOPES ARMS, Roborough
Katherine Biscombe, Manager (brewery)
1. "Business is ok."
2. "Not really effected, we have a sheltered smoking area."
3. "Trade in general has been hit, it is more unpredictable with more ups and downs. We are a food-lead pub, we have darts teams, pool and live music on Wednesdays."
4. "The era is not over yet."
15. THE FRIENDSHIP INN, Amity Place
Bill Light, Landlord for 12 years 221362
1. "It's been the worst winter since I've been here - people don't want to smoke outside, we have a shelter but the wind blows in."
2. "Supermarkets, offie's, extra bars - over the past five years pubs have closed round here to be replaced with bars, like up on North Hill. Of the 12 years I've been here it's definitely the worst winter, but before was bad too - the community around here has been taken over by students. They have different patterns, they go out a lot later. Trends are changing."
4. "Era not over yet, but not far away."
16. THE CORNWOOD INN, Ivybridge Leaseholder Barbara Williams, 837225
1. "We have been affected by the ban, we have lost, and certainly haven't gained any smokers. It costs money to get a brolly up outside. We are affected by red tape and health and safety
2. "The supermarkets have affected us, if we didn't do food, we wouldn't exist."
4. "The era is definitely over, my biggest gripe is that choice has gone, people and staff smoking should be up to you.
"There were no Tesco's or cars - Your locals used to be your locals, your villagers were your villagers - Real pubs in the country will die out."
"Rates are just so high."
17. THE FORTESCUE, Mutley Plain Sarah Kenny, staff for 10 years 660673
1/2. "Trade is fantastic, but the smoking ban did affect us, people used to stay for three or four pints, now they have two and go. The atmosphere is different, people are up and down to the beer garden to smoke, conversation gets missed - it's disjointed."
3. "Well we have a lot of real ale drinkers, out the barrel." (can't get that at supermarket)
4. "The era is over which is very sad, peoples habits have been forced to change, for example with the smoking ban."
18. THE MARITIME INN, Southside St Rosamund Davies, 664898
1/2. "We have been 40% down since the smoking ban, it wasn't even a bad winter for weather, it's lovely weather but where do the non-smokers go for fresh air? All the smokers are outside - the ban was for the non-smokers, but where are they? If we are 40% down then we haven't gained any non-smokers.
"The butts are now a massive litter problem"
"Most bar staff are smokers, so we end up paying for smoking breaks all day. We think it should have been made law that really good air filter systems were fitted for fresh air in the pub.
3. "Cheap booze definitely affects us. The supermarkets supply the cheap booze but we get the blame for the boozers, it's a major problem with the youngsters. Too many outlets that sell booze 24 hours, but pubs don't. There's too much irresponsible selling of booze."
4. "There are 91 pubs in Plymouth up for sale, or not in use. I read that Wetherspoons are £400 million in debt. If they can't make it, nobody can."
"I hope the era isn't over, but unless somebody sits down and talks to the trades people to find out what the people want, for example rules that say pubs can be half smoking and half non-smoking with really good extractors. "The Brit pub is a tradition, who was the ban done for? The non-smokers are still not here.
19. THE CROOKED INN, Saltash
Justin Arnold, Landlord, 20years.
1. "We have been affected by smoking ban."
2. No
3. "We are busy, it's going ok, we do food and accommodation."
4. "No, era isn't over but the breweries screw over the pubs. Free-holds do ok
"People who take leases have no chance, breweries put rent up, they are evil. Their profits are massive, food is the way forward."
20. THE SWALLOW, Bretonside
Colin Damp, Landlord, 18 years
1. "Business is down 20%, that's' £5,000 a week. I'm surviving by the skin of my teeth and have been struggling in the past five years to keep within my overdraft which is in five figures."
2. "We have no capacity for smoking, there's been a downward slump since July and we've had to cut staff."
3. "The 24 hour rule and supermarkets affect us. We used to be busy at nine, now its ten, because people are drinking cheap tinnies at home. There has been a shift in drinking patterns."
4. "Chains are shutting down so perhaps there is hope for independents, we pay more to the supplier than the chains charge."
21. THE PRINCE MAURICE, Eggbuckland Rick Doggs, 771515
"Anyone who tells you they are not affected by all these things are telling porky pies."
22. KINGS HEAD TAVERN, Bretonside 665619
"We are affected by all these things."
23. THE NOWHERE INN
Phil Cawse, Licensee 670592
1.(general chat about all points) "Pubs are closing left, right and centre. It is a combination lots of things, We are £500 down a week, definitely for the last six months.
"We are lucky as we have loyal customers, we're a real pub with real ales, no machines and no TV.
"Pubs need to diversify, but they need help of big the breweries, to help reduce rent.
"Where pubs used to be a meeting place, this is not the case anymore, it's not so much fun. There is no pride left, it's turned to being all about the money.
"People are scared because of the violence and intimidation of thugs. You don't get old people out in pubs anymore, like you don't get old people going out for a walk at night time. It's a social disease.
3. "The supermarkets are not affecting trade, but are causing problems. Booze is too easy to obtain with youngans.
"I can't compete with Sainsburys, they're selling booze cheaper than I can buy it." "We need help."
"Breweries selling for so much, no-one can buy elsewhere.
"20 pubs have closed since January. The Mutley Tavern, a lovely pub, The First and Last, The Walrus, they've all shut."
24. THE OLD FRIARY, Bretonside.
672921 Dave Northcott, Landlord
1. "We're doing alright, we get a lot of local trade."
2. "Smoking ban has affected us a lot. A lot of the regulars - you don't see them half as much.
3. "People go down the supermarket, buy all the cans for a tenner and sit and smoke at home.
We have food and live music at the weekends - to keep trade going."
4. "The era has definitely changed, and not for the better - the smoking is the main problem, there's definitely a younger crowd. Students come out a lot later."
25. The Mark of Friendship, Torpoint
Jenny Brazier, has run pub for seven years 822253
1. "slow"
2. "The ban is probably affecting us now. It's a strange one, since the new year trade is markedly different. It's our worst year in the trade - people are tightening their belts, more people drinking and smoking at home. "We do food, darts, and live music, but even the music isn't working as well to get people in.
4. "The era is close to ending, and once it has gone, it is never to return."
"I think pubs have been in demise ever since the rise of the Wetherspoons pubs.
"You can't compete with cheap booze, cheap food, maybe if you're a free-hold, but not an Enterprise."
26. THE MECHANICS ARMS, Stonehouse
Barman Pete Osbourne
1. "Trade is going up.
2. "The ban hasn't affected us.
3. "We provide entertainment, in three weeks we'll start doing food. We have great personality, atmosphere, and we're clean - come and see for yourself!
4. "I hope the era is not over.
27. The West Hoe, Bishops Place
Licensee Rebecca Stone, 262041
1. "Trade not too bad, starting to pick up.
2. "Smoking ban hit us hard, it's been an awful winter.
"We started doing food since the smoking ban, we had to or we'd have sunk.
3."Supermarkets have not really affected, we're very local and the old boys are starting to come out again after the smoking ban. We do real ale.
4. "I think the era is looking like it's over. I feel we've been pushed out by the government. Everything is too expensive to run.
28. The Yard Arm, Citadel Road
Nigel Ledger, Landlord 407927
1. "We're busy."
2. "We catered for the ban with two outside smoking areas, heated and non-heated. It's a nicer atmosphere without the smoking but our trade comes from doing good food.
3. "The chains are more of a concern than supermarkets. Pubs doing buy-one-get-one-free knocks it a bit, but we hold on to clients through our location, food and accommodation.
4. "I hope it's not the end, we're all struggling as a whole, being attacked by the government on all sides with taxes, price increases, and many pubs are under the hammer but you have to attract people. We do smaller portions for older people - a roast for £3.95, it gets them out of the house."
29. THE BILLACOMBE TAVERN, Billacombe Road
Liz Levers, Licensee 407927
1. "Week days are not fantastic but the weekends are ok."
2. "Pubs as a whole are suffering, there's a lot of movement in the trade.
"We focus on food, you've got to give people a reason to come to the pub
3. "People will sit in and drink a £3 bottle of wine but you can't beat the atmosphere of the pub.
"We've got an outside area, I think most people have accepted the changes - there's a whole new social life outside.
4. "I'd love to think it's not over, it's what makes us British - all the different people mingling, who might not talk to each other in their normal daily lives, but come together because of the pub. I hope it's just a blip.
"I think pubs will evolve. Quiz, Wii and poker nights are all becoming popular. People are coming in for activities, rather than just drinking. Perhaps it could become more about the food, more relaxed, like Mediterranean culture, but without losing the essence of the British pub."
30. THE VICTORY INN, Farm Lane.
773635, Sharon Anstis, Landlady
1. "Business is rubbish."
2. "Smoking ban killed it - we're a proper working mans pub where people would sit with a beer in one hand, a fag in the other.
3. "We've most definitely affected by supermarkets, Tesco's is just a two minute walk from here. We've tried everything, lowering price of beer, doing specials but it doesn't work. People want to sit and smoke.
4. "The era is over. We've just got to move on."
http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk
The face of the British pub is changing. As we approach the first anniversary of the introduction of the smoking ban on July 1, 2007, The Herald has quizzed landlords across the city to find out if the traditional local is at the end of the road. Eleanor Radford reports.
Questions:
1. How's business?
2. Has the smoking ban affected you?
3. Have supermarkets affected you?
4. Do you think the era of the Great British pub is over?
1. THE ADMIRAL MCBRIDE Scott Ledger - Licensee/Landlord
1. "It's been a tough winter, hoping for a good summer. People have less money to spend."
2. "Smoking ban undoubtedly had some impact. There were a few noticeable absences of locals who are heavy smokers.
3."They're staying at home drinking cheap booze from the super markets.
"When people can get cans of beer for less than £1, it's a struggle.
4. "It's not over, but there will be a shake-up. We'll lose a lot of pubs. Traditional boozers are suffering the most. We have to focus on food.
2. THE PLOUGHBOY INN, SALTASH Sheila Lennox-Boyd, Lessee 07808164388, 842861
1. "We're busy-ready for another refurb. With all the development in the area, estates have built up around and it's gone from strength to strength. We did 684 meals on Mothering Sunday.
2. "Not so affected by smoking ban because we have a nice garden and a children's play area.
3. "Prices at supermarkets are killing our trade. The price wars with the supermarkets means that booze is so cheap and accessible for kids. We're in control here in Saltash-We have schemes in place to clamp down on kids, and they are getting caught out. We have many activities for kids to do, so they're not so bored.
4. "It's gone. It's a very sad situation, they're all chains. We are careful with our prices, because we have to be. We have home-made produce, and serve things like liver and mash.
"I've been in the trade for 28 years and it's never been so hard. Our cleaner has got used to cleaning with the lights out because we spend £21,800 a year in electricity. It's so expensive. I've always been proud of our English pubs but the government needs to get a hold of the situation. Our dustbin bills have gone up by £200 a quarter.
"We're victims of rents and overheads.
"We used to run four pubs but had to pull them all into one to afford it.
"We're here for people, like counsellors. can you say the same in the chains? They are full, of student staff who don't care, they have no soul.
"We're here for a cheery word, a pint of ale and a nice meal.
3. BRITANNIA INN, (Wetherspoons) Wolseley Road 607596
Ruth Shift Manager
1. Doing well
2. Not majorly affected business, we're the only pub in the area so not particularly affected.
3. Not really affected
4. "Era of pub is beginning to look like it's over - not like it used to be - summertime isn't so bad because people can sit outside."
4. CHERRY TREE PUBLIC HOUSE 771981
Tracy Burgess, Bar maid
1. Pretty good "Things are picking up. We're getting bands in and focusing on live music to get punters in.
2. "In the winter it affected us, but not now, not really.
4. Regulars are loyal to the Great British pub. Even when they don't like the management!"
5. CORNWALLS GATE, Normandy Way 510902
1. Still quiet - trade dropped off last May - before the smoking ban - there's a change in social habits.
2. No
3. "Yes supermarkets definitely affecting business."
4. "There's going to be a contraction - big changes. The heavy boozing sessions are over, it's a more pleasant environment."
6. CROWN AND COLUMN 562833
1. "Slow, businesses are closing.
"If you don't do food, you're going downhill.
2. Not too much "We have nice, big back garden."
3. Supermarkets are effecting business.
4. "Yep - I'm 52 and I've been drinking since, whatever, you can't just go into pubs and have a good time. Prices, smoking-ban, supermarkets selling cheap drinks.
"We focus on pool tournaments, Sunday lunches, anything to get business in."
7. DRAKES DRUM, Radford Park Road, 402613 Jamie Curle, Manager
1. Business is going well
2. Not affected
3. No affected
4. Focusing on food, music, entertainment.
8. THE FALCON, Melville Road
Tom Stevenson, 569669
1. "Business is going well. Took over pub a year ago. Focusing on food, entertainment, football, music.
2. "Smoking ban slowed things down, but everyone got used to it.
3. Not really affected, lots of locals
4. "Era is definitely not over, but people are focusing on different areas. Lots of smaller pubs closed, but the bigger pubs do better."
9. THE DOLPHIN
Leanne Kelly, Barmaid, 660876
1. Business is going well with the Transat action. We've had Blues, Jazz music and a pianist.
2. Affected a little
3. "No, we're a local pub and always got the locals. Same people coming for years and they're gonna carry on coming. "We've introduced new ales, like Tribute."
4. "No-way"
10 FOXHOUND INN, Brixton
Sharon Martin, Landlady, 880271
1. Not too bad
2. "Changed, more food-lead. Thinking of ideas to keep going.
3. "Supermarkets have definitely affected the industry as a whole.
4. "I hope the era is not over, but it probably is."
11. THE RED LION Paul Deans, manager, 256881
1. "Getting better, we've been here two years, and have been doing it up since Christmas."
2. "Smoking ban has really affected business.. We notice it when it's raining, definitely a lot quieter.
3. "I've been in the trade for donkeys years and noticed the difference last year. Also the tax hikes by the Chancellor. We get through by hard work, and smiles.
"It's just about cracking on and learning to adapt. We have bands and singers, which is going down really well. It's starting to look a lot better."
12. KINGS ARMS, Tamerton Foliot Peter Smith, 773213
1. "There is still the potential in the trade which is being crushed by the big PLC's- Wetherspoons and the like."
"People seem to accept changes. Trade is slightly increasing - not a lot of profit to be made. We made a simple change, we put in a pie and pasty warmer which is going well. We also put on a fillet steak night."
2. "There's a lot of moaning about it (smoking) but not much change.
3. "The supermarkets have been around a long time, people have always gone away to France on booze cruises."
4. "People have always had the choice of cheaper social clubs, but they've always gone back to the pub."
13. EXETER INN, Modbury, Ivybridge. Michelle Hill, Licensee 01548 830 239
1. "doing really well"
2. "Smoking ban hasn't effected us, we have food, live music, a pool room."
3. "Supermarkets may have affected a little."
4. "It's not like it used to be, more food than drink these days. The old men sitting in the corner and drinking, smoking on their pipe - times are changing."
14.LOPES ARMS, Roborough
Katherine Biscombe, Manager (brewery)
1. "Business is ok."
2. "Not really effected, we have a sheltered smoking area."
3. "Trade in general has been hit, it is more unpredictable with more ups and downs. We are a food-lead pub, we have darts teams, pool and live music on Wednesdays."
4. "The era is not over yet."
15. THE FRIENDSHIP INN, Amity Place
Bill Light, Landlord for 12 years 221362
1. "It's been the worst winter since I've been here - people don't want to smoke outside, we have a shelter but the wind blows in."
2. "Supermarkets, offie's, extra bars - over the past five years pubs have closed round here to be replaced with bars, like up on North Hill. Of the 12 years I've been here it's definitely the worst winter, but before was bad too - the community around here has been taken over by students. They have different patterns, they go out a lot later. Trends are changing."
4. "Era not over yet, but not far away."
16. THE CORNWOOD INN, Ivybridge Leaseholder Barbara Williams, 837225
1. "We have been affected by the ban, we have lost, and certainly haven't gained any smokers. It costs money to get a brolly up outside. We are affected by red tape and health and safety
2. "The supermarkets have affected us, if we didn't do food, we wouldn't exist."
4. "The era is definitely over, my biggest gripe is that choice has gone, people and staff smoking should be up to you.
"There were no Tesco's or cars - Your locals used to be your locals, your villagers were your villagers - Real pubs in the country will die out."
"Rates are just so high."
17. THE FORTESCUE, Mutley Plain Sarah Kenny, staff for 10 years 660673
1/2. "Trade is fantastic, but the smoking ban did affect us, people used to stay for three or four pints, now they have two and go. The atmosphere is different, people are up and down to the beer garden to smoke, conversation gets missed - it's disjointed."
3. "Well we have a lot of real ale drinkers, out the barrel." (can't get that at supermarket)
4. "The era is over which is very sad, peoples habits have been forced to change, for example with the smoking ban."
18. THE MARITIME INN, Southside St Rosamund Davies, 664898
1/2. "We have been 40% down since the smoking ban, it wasn't even a bad winter for weather, it's lovely weather but where do the non-smokers go for fresh air? All the smokers are outside - the ban was for the non-smokers, but where are they? If we are 40% down then we haven't gained any non-smokers.
"The butts are now a massive litter problem"
"Most bar staff are smokers, so we end up paying for smoking breaks all day. We think it should have been made law that really good air filter systems were fitted for fresh air in the pub.
3. "Cheap booze definitely affects us. The supermarkets supply the cheap booze but we get the blame for the boozers, it's a major problem with the youngsters. Too many outlets that sell booze 24 hours, but pubs don't. There's too much irresponsible selling of booze."
4. "There are 91 pubs in Plymouth up for sale, or not in use. I read that Wetherspoons are £400 million in debt. If they can't make it, nobody can."
"I hope the era isn't over, but unless somebody sits down and talks to the trades people to find out what the people want, for example rules that say pubs can be half smoking and half non-smoking with really good extractors. "The Brit pub is a tradition, who was the ban done for? The non-smokers are still not here.
19. THE CROOKED INN, Saltash
Justin Arnold, Landlord, 20years.
1. "We have been affected by smoking ban."
2. No
3. "We are busy, it's going ok, we do food and accommodation."
4. "No, era isn't over but the breweries screw over the pubs. Free-holds do ok
"People who take leases have no chance, breweries put rent up, they are evil. Their profits are massive, food is the way forward."
20. THE SWALLOW, Bretonside
Colin Damp, Landlord, 18 years
1. "Business is down 20%, that's' £5,000 a week. I'm surviving by the skin of my teeth and have been struggling in the past five years to keep within my overdraft which is in five figures."
2. "We have no capacity for smoking, there's been a downward slump since July and we've had to cut staff."
3. "The 24 hour rule and supermarkets affect us. We used to be busy at nine, now its ten, because people are drinking cheap tinnies at home. There has been a shift in drinking patterns."
4. "Chains are shutting down so perhaps there is hope for independents, we pay more to the supplier than the chains charge."
21. THE PRINCE MAURICE, Eggbuckland Rick Doggs, 771515
"Anyone who tells you they are not affected by all these things are telling porky pies."
22. KINGS HEAD TAVERN, Bretonside 665619
"We are affected by all these things."
23. THE NOWHERE INN
Phil Cawse, Licensee 670592
1.(general chat about all points) "Pubs are closing left, right and centre. It is a combination lots of things, We are £500 down a week, definitely for the last six months.
"We are lucky as we have loyal customers, we're a real pub with real ales, no machines and no TV.
"Pubs need to diversify, but they need help of big the breweries, to help reduce rent.
"Where pubs used to be a meeting place, this is not the case anymore, it's not so much fun. There is no pride left, it's turned to being all about the money.
"People are scared because of the violence and intimidation of thugs. You don't get old people out in pubs anymore, like you don't get old people going out for a walk at night time. It's a social disease.
3. "The supermarkets are not affecting trade, but are causing problems. Booze is too easy to obtain with youngans.
"I can't compete with Sainsburys, they're selling booze cheaper than I can buy it." "We need help."
"Breweries selling for so much, no-one can buy elsewhere.
"20 pubs have closed since January. The Mutley Tavern, a lovely pub, The First and Last, The Walrus, they've all shut."
24. THE OLD FRIARY, Bretonside.
672921 Dave Northcott, Landlord
1. "We're doing alright, we get a lot of local trade."
2. "Smoking ban has affected us a lot. A lot of the regulars - you don't see them half as much.
3. "People go down the supermarket, buy all the cans for a tenner and sit and smoke at home.
We have food and live music at the weekends - to keep trade going."
4. "The era has definitely changed, and not for the better - the smoking is the main problem, there's definitely a younger crowd. Students come out a lot later."
25. The Mark of Friendship, Torpoint
Jenny Brazier, has run pub for seven years 822253
1. "slow"
2. "The ban is probably affecting us now. It's a strange one, since the new year trade is markedly different. It's our worst year in the trade - people are tightening their belts, more people drinking and smoking at home. "We do food, darts, and live music, but even the music isn't working as well to get people in.
4. "The era is close to ending, and once it has gone, it is never to return."
"I think pubs have been in demise ever since the rise of the Wetherspoons pubs.
"You can't compete with cheap booze, cheap food, maybe if you're a free-hold, but not an Enterprise."
26. THE MECHANICS ARMS, Stonehouse
Barman Pete Osbourne
1. "Trade is going up.
2. "The ban hasn't affected us.
3. "We provide entertainment, in three weeks we'll start doing food. We have great personality, atmosphere, and we're clean - come and see for yourself!
4. "I hope the era is not over.
27. The West Hoe, Bishops Place
Licensee Rebecca Stone, 262041
1. "Trade not too bad, starting to pick up.
2. "Smoking ban hit us hard, it's been an awful winter.
"We started doing food since the smoking ban, we had to or we'd have sunk.
3."Supermarkets have not really affected, we're very local and the old boys are starting to come out again after the smoking ban. We do real ale.
4. "I think the era is looking like it's over. I feel we've been pushed out by the government. Everything is too expensive to run.
28. The Yard Arm, Citadel Road
Nigel Ledger, Landlord 407927
1. "We're busy."
2. "We catered for the ban with two outside smoking areas, heated and non-heated. It's a nicer atmosphere without the smoking but our trade comes from doing good food.
3. "The chains are more of a concern than supermarkets. Pubs doing buy-one-get-one-free knocks it a bit, but we hold on to clients through our location, food and accommodation.
4. "I hope it's not the end, we're all struggling as a whole, being attacked by the government on all sides with taxes, price increases, and many pubs are under the hammer but you have to attract people. We do smaller portions for older people - a roast for £3.95, it gets them out of the house."
29. THE BILLACOMBE TAVERN, Billacombe Road
Liz Levers, Licensee 407927
1. "Week days are not fantastic but the weekends are ok."
2. "Pubs as a whole are suffering, there's a lot of movement in the trade.
"We focus on food, you've got to give people a reason to come to the pub
3. "People will sit in and drink a £3 bottle of wine but you can't beat the atmosphere of the pub.
"We've got an outside area, I think most people have accepted the changes - there's a whole new social life outside.
4. "I'd love to think it's not over, it's what makes us British - all the different people mingling, who might not talk to each other in their normal daily lives, but come together because of the pub. I hope it's just a blip.
"I think pubs will evolve. Quiz, Wii and poker nights are all becoming popular. People are coming in for activities, rather than just drinking. Perhaps it could become more about the food, more relaxed, like Mediterranean culture, but without losing the essence of the British pub."
30. THE VICTORY INN, Farm Lane.
773635, Sharon Anstis, Landlady
1. "Business is rubbish."
2. "Smoking ban killed it - we're a proper working mans pub where people would sit with a beer in one hand, a fag in the other.
3. "We've most definitely affected by supermarkets, Tesco's is just a two minute walk from here. We've tried everything, lowering price of beer, doing specials but it doesn't work. People want to sit and smoke.
4. "The era is over. We've just got to move on."
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