Changing attitudes - Pubs must offer more

There was a time when owning a pub seemed like the stamp of real success.

They were valuable pieces of real estate because they were making so much money, but now the pubs have fallen on hard times.

Much of the blame is being put on the smoking ban, the tightening of drink driving laws, and cheaper drink at off-licence outlets. There are also serious moves afoot to cut back on television advertising that glamourises drink.

For a long time the publicans waged a delaying campaign against the smoking and driving changes. But now that the changes have been made, there is no pressure to return to the old ways.

It seems that society has finally awakened to the realisation that alcohol is a dangerous drug when abused. The drunken Irishman should have been viewed as tragedy, not comedy.

Things are not likely to get better for old-style pubs, especially when it is so much cheaper for people to buy drink at an off-licence. Of course, questions must be asked about how it is cheaper for publicans to buy drink for retail at some off-licence premises.

Pubs are in trouble already, and things are likely to get worse, because old habits are changing with the times. People no longer wish to sit down for the night and simply drink. They need more.

Many pubs around the country have already adapted by reinventing themselves. They began with what was initially called “pub grub”. Some of these pubs have replaced restaurants as the most popular place to eat out, not just for evening visitors, but also for working people having their lunch.

Pubs have a valuable role to play in society. They are part of our culture, but they must broaden their appeal.