Pubs face supermarket sweep (From Sutton Guardian)

Pubs in Sutton being taken over by Tesco

12:30pm Thursday 21st February 2013 in News By James Pepper

Sutton pubs face supermarket sweep

Campaigners have raised concerns about the number of pubs closing across the borough and being converted into supermarkets.

Following last week's confirmation the Angel Pub in Angel Hill is to become a Tesco Express, a planning application has been submitted by the same supermarket on the site of another former pub.

This week, Tesco made its latest application to Sutton Council for its plans to turn The Woodman in Lower Road, Sutton, into another one of its convenience stores.

The Dolphin pub in Sutton High Street, is about to be levelled and turned into flats, with shops or restaurants underneath.

Dr Liam Fox, former defence secretary, recently called for a review into legislation which allows supermarkets to swoop on empty pubs.

Councils say converting a pub to a shop is not a change of use and therefore it can be difficult to oppose getting planning permission.

A Sutton and Croydon representative for the Campaign for Real Ales, (CAMRA) said the problem facing Sutton was one facing pubs nationwide.

A spokesman for CAMRA said: "Pubs are finding things difficult at the moment. Since the smoking ban came in, numbers visiting pubs has been falling, but there are many other factors. Pubs where there are poor transport links are finding things especially difficult. People are going to supermarkets, buying their drink and staying at home. Sutton is no different to the rest of the country."

Nationally CAMRA research shows the amount of pubs closing on a weekly basis is up to 18 compared to 12 between 2011 and 2012.

The British Beer and Pub Association recently reported that sales of beer in pubs fell by 4.8 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Tesco and other supermarkets have said they will put stores where there is demand.

A spokesperson for Tesco, said: "We open stores in locations that we think will be popular and convenient for our customers and the local community. The buildings on Angel Hill and Lower Road in Sutton were vacant and we are delighted to bring them back to life as stores which will serve the local community and employ around 20 people in each."