I'm happy pubs are dying out

[Raymondsam]

In my town at least.

Maybe decades ago the argument could be made that they're social hubs for people to unwind, meet and have a good time on a weekend.

Nowadays they're just hovels where mostly retired old boys go to binge drink in the daytime and cost the NHS billions in the various cancers strokes and host of other comorbidities that crop up.

The three biggest ones in my town are the typical chain owned leasehold places. Big companies that own hundreds of pubs all over the country. They treat the leaseholders like crap, if they start to turn a decent profit they up the rent.

Way has it got to do with you if men want to gather at a pub? Are you Muslim? We all have a choice in life and if they want to go there, that’s THEIR business and NOT yours.

Same here, I don't drink, but pubs are important to communities.

There is socialising, for many they go to unwind, chat with others,. Both of these things are important for good mental health.

Not everyone has close family, and the pub may be their only contact with other people. Loneliness causes depression and a host of other illnesses. Even, just walking to the pub is exercise.

Many pubs offer food, and not just Sunday roasts. For some older people (mainly men), this maybe the only place they eat in company in addition to local cafés.

What about the jobs? Many young people start there first jobs there. Let alone, people in their 40s upwards who may find the hours conducive. What about the chefs? What about all the brewery and driving jobs? Let alone the farmers who produce the hops.

Yes, pubs can be loud, cliquey and attract unsociable types.

But, they are a place to go, not everyone goes to church, the mosque or synagogue.

They are important, and they have toilets.

I can't think of a single Muslim who has a problem with pub-goers going to pubs 😳

Our local is lovely. Really friendly, never any trouble. There's a big range in ages and everyone knows each other, the pub brings them together.

They have mental health meet ups for lonely people and the landlady opens up specially for a few of the older regulars to go in and have breakfast. She also cooks sometimes for them and sends them home with free food.

I hope ours doesn't close but hopefully it'll be safe, I think nice regulars are what you need to make a pub successful.

Actually that’s not true. I know many and most believe they are populated by alcoholics. Esp if they live near to one. They frown upon people who feel the need to drink alcohol esp during the day.

61 now. Worked in a pub at 18. Old fella came in every night. Suddenly he didn’t. We called the police. He was out cold in his sitting room, taken to hospital and lived 6 more years.
They’re an important part of the community.

Why can't there be other places that are "community hubs" that aren't vendors of the demon drink?

You do know it’s possible to go to the pub and not buy alcohol?

Cafes?
Pubs also sell non alcoholic drinks you know. Have you never been in a pub?

At the pub my book group meets in I can even buy peppermint tea!

This old girl goes with her old boy to the pub sometimes…😱. We have a glass or two of wine and a meal - really decadent. 🙄

Or we meet friends and family for a meal and a couple of drinks.🥂

If we wanted to get drunk, we’d stay indoors and neck it back. Much cheaper.

Whstca little bundle of joy you sound to be. 🤷‍♀️

Drinking alcohol isn’t compulsory you know …

But also enjoying an alcoholic drink isn’t a bad thing.

I had a lovely gastro pub meal with a friend a few weeks ago. I went to a friends 60th in another very old inner city pub in August. Yes he was ‘old’ but his mates ranged from 30s to 75. I mean talk about generalisations!

lol “demon drink” most adults enjoy a drink and even if not, pubs sell non- alcoholic drinks you know, unless you’re an alcoholic anyone can enjoy going into a pub. They are warm friendly places. Much better than these awful late night ice cream places that were springing up in Birmingham before I left.

I have spent hours in a Wetherspoons doing crafts with friends. Bottomless hot drinks for less than £2.

Lots of lovely pubs around. It sounds like the OP lives in a rather grim area to me. Whether you frequent them or not, pubs are in important part of many communities. I don't have any use for churches, but I am pleased that they exist for those who need that sort of direction, affirmation or sense of belonging in life :)

Another tosser wanting to actively disassemble British society....Just like that millionaire Marxist Gary Neville!

Tosser is so under used as an insult nowadays

It’s a great British insult!!! Britain has some fabulous words