I have recently read an article which was really interesting concerning the government spending £4 million on trying to halt the wave of pub closures. This is mainly aimed at rural areas; Plymouth has been hit hard, with recent high-profile closures including The Waterfront, in West Hoe and The Mermaid, in Eggbuckland. The smoking ban and cheap supermarket booze are being blamed for putting 2,365 British pubs out of business last year, leaving 24,000 workers jobless.  A former landlady Gill Philpott, who called time at the bar last weekend, said the plans were "too little too late".

Another thing that has been circulating is Post Offices will be opening in pubs. This has been said to benefit rural pubs mainly, the idea has been getting many mixed reviews.  Interesting times ahead perhaps?