New research issued this week at the Great British Beer Festival by CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale suggests the return of traditional pub games like Shuffleboard, Billiards, Skittles and Darts would encourage more young adults to visit pubs at a time when 25 pubs across Britain are closing every week and similar statistics around the world…
The independently commissioned research highlighted that the numbers of regular pub-going (visiting pubs once a week or more) young adults aged 18-24 years old has been on the decline over the last 5 years, seeing figures drop from 36% in 2006 to 25% in 2011.
In recent years many pubs have been dominated by Gaming Machines that customers have to pay for, leaving consumers with less disposable income to spend at the bar. But new research shows young adults are demanding the return of traditional pub games which would result in more 18-24 years olds using pubs.
One in two adults aged 18-24 voted ‘Very likely’ or ‘Quite likely’ to visit pubs more often if free traditional pub games were made available. Experts expect this percentage to continue growing.
Colin Valentine, CAMRA National Chairman, said:
“Pubs have had it tough in recent years with high increases in beer tax, below cost pricing in supermarkets, introduction of the smoking ban, and of course [the] economic problems all playing a part in a disturbing [number of] pubs closing every week.”
“Our new research shows there is a worrying trend in younger adults visiting pubs less often. The pub industry needs to be working together on a plan to attract these groups back into pubs. Drinking in pubs gets young adults off the streets, and providing safe environments for people to enjoy alcohol is good for society.”
‘The research highlighted that one fun way of attracting 18-24 year olds back into pubs could be to offer free Traditional Pub Games. These games are part of our heritage and can be enjoyed by large numbers of people at no cost. This means more money can be spent at the bar which helps pubs and breweries.”
“Of course pubs get a cut from Gaming Machines, but I am sure more profits can be made through a variety of food and drink.”
Great British Beer Festival offers Traditional Pub Games to visitorsThe Great British Beer Festival, 2-6 August, will host a large number of traditional pub games for pub-goers and licensees to try including Shuffleboard, Long Alley Skittles, Roll the Barrel, Shut the Box, Northamptonshire Skittles and Table Skittles.
John Cryne of the Festival Games stand, said:
“Traditional Pub Games are very popular at the Great British Beer Festival. They look simple to play but are challenging and very addictive once you get started. We would encourage everyone who visits the festival to have a go and if they enjoy them return to their local pub and encourage the licensee to try them out on the local customers. If people are not sure where to start, they can contact CAMRA and we can offer advice.”
More festival information: www.gbbf.org.uk
More CAMRA info: www.camra.org.uk
