THE death of the local has been confirmed in new figures released by the Government.
The survey of pubs closed by electoral constituency reveals that between 2005 and 2007 they were going to the wall at a rate of 12 per week across the UK.
But after the smoking ban began in July 2007 the decline accelerated to 35 per week, bring the average up to 22 per week since the survey began in June 2005.
In Huddersfield, many pubs have closed in recent months.
The latest is The Grey Horse, at Birchencliffe, which is now up for let.
The figures, collected by Beer Group chairman John Grogan MP with the support of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) are now being studied as officials wrack their brains to find ways to help to the country’s struggling landlords.
Mr Grogan said: “The UK’s brewing and pub industry is suffering its worst period in a century or more, with many communities losing their pubs every month”.
The Kirklees region has faired slightly better than the UK average.
The Huddersfield and Colne Valley constituencies are down just 13 pubs over the four-year-period, while Dewsbury lost only nine and Batley and Spen just five.
The Wakefield constituency which includes the Denby Dale and Kirkburton area has lost nine pubs and the Barnsley and Penistone region five.
But the Calder and Halifax area has taken more of a hit with both constituencies down 26.
