Pubs still closing but rate slows as recession ends

It would be an exaggeration to say the pub trade has been restored to full health — but the latest prognosis indicates it is dying less quickly.

New figures from the British Beer & Pub Association show that 39 boozers are shutting each week - down from 52 a week at the height of the recession.

If that pace had been maintained, the last pub in Britain would close in 2038.

The BBPA says 1,013 pubs shut between July and December in a total of 2,365 in the whole of last year.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch, the research house, said in a note that the figures were "more evidence of a recovery, albeit a slow one".

The industry blames the economy, the smoking ban, tax rises and cheap supermarket booze for its woes.