A CAMPAIGNER spoke of his disappointment after it was revealed that dozens of pubs have closed across Wales over recent months.

Data from the commercial real estate intelligence firm Atlus Group sets out the overall number of pubs in England and Wales which have closed their doors for good in the first half of 2023 (January to June).

Wales is the region with the highest number of closed pubs over that time period at 52, followed by London and the North West which both had 46.

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Brian Vardy, chairman for the Chester and South Clwyd branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), told the Leader: "We're not at all happy about it - it's definitely bad news.

"It's my opinion that people have not yet got back into the habit of pub-going after covid.

"People have gotten used to buying cheap drink in the supermarket and drinking it at home.

"I think pubs, as we all know, are about a lot more than that.

"They are very important social centres where community groups and people can meet.

"For people who are concerned about the 'evils of demon drink' as it were - they should be less concerned about pubs than other places.

"A pub is a regulated environment and in fact it is illegal for a publican to sell more alcohol to someone who is seriously intoxicated.

"People drinking at home don't have any of that kind of restriction."

Mr Vardy said the cost of living crisis may have had a bearing on people's decision not to return to the pubs, adding that many may now not have "as much money to spend."

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But he urged those who can to support their local pubs, many of which across the UK struggle to cover rising rent costs and keep their employees in work.

"It might sound silly," he continued, "but a pub is for life - not just for Christmas.

"A lot of people like going to the pub for special occasions, New Year, Christmas - but if they don't support them during the year as well, they won't be there for those special occasions."