Richard some good points, although there are one or two leaps that I did not say (pr mean)

It is the cumulative increases on alcohol and fuel tax when no others seem to have been thought of that affects retired ppl on fixed income (like me)as well as everyone in the UK

Pubs are suffering from high costs imposed by alcohol taxes and pub owners wringing out profits from landlords who have no clientel ~ can't afford it in many cases, affecting Communities and pubs

believe it or not Richard, folk pubs have and continue to close. Public Transport isnt good enough ~ no late trains and buses, but folkies are ingenious and find ways around this problem!

Ray