'I don't think the number of pubs closing down has much to do with the smoking ban, it's the cost of the beer and yet when less customers come through the door they keep on putting the prices up. Madness.'

Along with the smoking ban, the huge inflation on beer is a major issue - by 2012 the government are aiming for the average pint to cost £5. It is hard to hear people say that they are blaming Whitby and its people for these prices when escalating council tax costs, new business rates, extra bills for emptying bins, the costs of opening later, the police insistance on doorstaff, the brewery prices rising because of rising production and transportation costs, i can go on and on. The amazing thing about Whitby is that most of the businesses are owned and run by individuals, not big chains with massive buying power - so this is what you are paying for - the charm, friendliness and individuality of a beautiful town. Just for information too - the £2.80 Deuchars and £2.90 Directors quoted above are at the top end of the Whitby scale, and there are plenty of cheaper ales in all the pubs. Why not join one of the many online petitions to the goverment to slow down the rise in beer tax, and support the people resisting the corporate giants, i am sure everyone in Whitby is working very hard to make a living for themselves!