Czech Republic sees 12 percent of village pubs have closed in the last three years

by   CIJ News iDesk III
2022-05-17   09:12
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In municipalities in the Czech Republic with less than 5,000 inhabitants, 12 percent of pubs have closed in the last three years. This is almost double compared to cities with more than 20,000 inhabitants. This follows from a survey by Plzeňský Prazdroj, which published it in a press release today. Therefore, the largest Czech brewery has expanded its Village program to support municipal pubs, which has already involved almost 900 establishments, more than a tenth of all village pubs in the Czech Republic. The brewery helps them financially and with advice, their sales increased by eight percent year on year. The operators contacted have confirmed that this helps them.

"Village pubs are the most endangered type of Czech hospitality. They are severely affected by the smoking ban, the introduction of EET, restrictions associated with the coronavirus crisis and the outflow of guests to home bars in gardens and garages," said the brewery, which launched a program for these establishments in 2017. when it was used by 80 companies. "The aim was to stop the extinction of the village pubs, we wanted to revive them and help the pubs to bring the guests back to them. The pub, football and the church form an important triangle of social life in small villages," said Milan Pavelka.

According to the operators contacted, the support works, the locals are returning to the village pubs. The brewery U Šimků in Staňkov na Domažlicku paid for a new facade and a change in the interior and the pub. "It started our sales, thanks to the transformation we also gained completely new regulars," said operator Milan Hilpert, who has now invested in expanding the garden. Miroslav Kadič, the owner of a pub in Obecnice in the Příbram region, also confirmed a successful restart and year-on-year sales growth. "We underwent reconstruction, the brewery also helped us financially with the construction of the pergola and advised how to attract guests," he said.

Prazdroj has already invested CZK 18 million in village businesses, the most last year, 5.6 million. Every pub in a small village that takes its beer can join the program. The brewery will propose changes to ensure greater attractiveness and quality of services. "It's not just about the financial contribution, we are trying to involve the owners, operators and local people. Whether it's a new facade, a painting or a garden bench. Hospodský will get a few locals, we'll help with the financing. Pavelka. The brewery also teaches pubs to organize band performances, harvest festivals, St. Nicholas, Three Kings and May events and to prepare special menus. He makes posters for them and advises where to post them, he also helps with the web and social networks.

Source: CTK