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CAN TRADITIONAL PUB GAMES SAVE THE GREAT BRITISH PUB? 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 Shove Ha’penny, Bar Billiards, Skittles and Darts would encourage more young adults to visit pubs at a time when 25 pubs across Britain are closing every week. The revival of Traditional Pub Games campaign has been supported by World Darts Champions Adrian Lewis and Keith Deller. 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. 49% of adults aged 18-24 who had heard of a traditional pub game
suggested they would ‘Very likely’ or ‘Quite likely’ visit pubs more often if free traditional pub games were made available. 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 Britain’s economic problems all playing a part in a disturbing 25 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
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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
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FULL WEEKLY SCHEDULE - CENTRE can be made through a variety of food and drink.’ Current World Darts Champion Adrian Lewis and legendary 1983 winner Keith Deller have thrown their support behind this campaign. Adrian Lewis said: ‘I am 100% behind CAMRA’s campaign to bring back great traditional games in to the pub like my sport darts. I started off playing darts with my family in my local pub in Stoke on Trent and through this met a lot of friends playing in the pub team. This has helped me fulfil my dream to become World Champion. I urge everyone to get behind CAMRA’s campaign to help keep our traditional games alive in the Great British pub.’
Keith Deller commented: ‘I have been a Professional darts player for 30 years. When I started playing darts there was a dartboard in every pub. The great thing about pub games is it gives people who are on their own the chance to get out and make new friends in pubs. We should all get behind CAMRA on this campaign and support what is great about being British and keep the pubs alive.’ The Great British Beer Festival, 2-6 August, will host a large number of traditional pub games for pub-goers and licensees to try including Long Alley Skittles, Roll the Barrel, Shuffle Board, Shut the Box, Northamptonshire Skittles and Table Skittles.
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