People with a pub in their local area make more friends and are better connected to their community, a survey has found.
More than half of regular ale drinkers that go to pubs have made one friend or more there, according to research by CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale).
One third of the 2,000 British adults surveyed also said they had made five or more friends from their pub visits.
The survey also found that those who lived near a pub were found to be more trusting.
In light of the recent research, CAMRA is urging the government to make "substantial" reforms to help keep pubs open and thriving, suggesting they play a big role in local communities.
The organisation is calling for the introduction of a preferential rate of duty for beer sold in pubs and on-trade outlets, better support for publicans tied to large pub-owning companies and a significant reduction in the business rates currently paid by UK pubs.
Nik Antona, CAMRA’s National Chairman said: “Pubs play a significant role in communities across the country, providing a space for local people to meet, helping to tackle loneliness, and having a positive impact on the personal wellbeing of pub-goers.
“It is imperative that beer-drinkers continue to support the pubs trade by visiting them. Our Summer of Pub campaign aims to show what pubs have to offer and remind people how important the great British pub is to communities," he said.
This time last year, CAMRA conducted another survey of 2000 Brits, 56% of whom said they found the price of a pint unaffordable,
Only one in four surveyed said the prices were about right.
At the time, the organisation claimed rising prices were driving consumers out of pubs, putting them at risk of closure.
