| Topic: | Re:Re:Re: Cinnamon Lounge | |
| Posted by: | Bryan Betts | |
| Date/Time: | 02/11/09 23:17:00 |
| "I have to say I don't think that's a fair assessment Brian. The simple fact is that the pub isn't as popular as what it previously was, and in simple economics the supply outstrips the demand. A similar thing has happened with petrol stations over the last 10 years." That wasn't my point though. Yes, there are undoubtedly some genuine cases where there are too many pubs in an area, or pubs are now in the wrong place. The New England on the Great West Road is perhaps an example of the latter, and *maybe* the Cinnamon Lounge is another - but I don't know. However, it is true that unscrupulous developers can and do buy pubs, then deliberately run them down with the aim of getting permission to close and demolish. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I understand that pubs can often be worth far more as residential properties than as going businesses. It is also true that there are pubs around the country which were claimed to be unviable by developers, but after planning permission was refused they were taken over and turned around by new owners - in some cases, even by the local community - giving the lie to that developer's claim. My disclaimer is I'm a CAMRA supporter, and I'd far rather see a vibrant and well-run local pub than yet another identikit block of flats full of uncaring short-lease tenants! |