TRADE in ale remains flat in Oxford, despite a rising head on the number of pubs around the country.

Business chiefs have cautiously welcomed a national increase in the number of pubs in the UK, but have called for tax breaks to ensure the survival of the 'great British pub'.

Data from the Office for National Statistics has shown pumps were pouring at around 100 public houses in Oxford in 2019 – the same number as in the previous year.

But despite business holding steady, it still represents a drop from the 135 boozers open in 2007.

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The introduction of the smoking ban, the impact of the Great Recession and a rise in alcohol duty in 2008 have all been blamed for landlords calling last orders.

Across the UK, a 1 per cent rise in the numbers of establishments last year to just over 39,000 was the first increase since 2007, when the figure stood at 51,000.

The number of small pubs, those with fewer than 10 employees, also rose for the first time since 2002.

National chairman of the Campaign for Real Ale Nik Antona 'cautiously' welcomed the fact that pubs, especially smaller ones, appeared to be bouncing back after years of closures.

“Unfortunately pubs continue to close across the country, particularly in small or rural communities,” he said.

“This means the loss of the social, cultural and economic benefits that come with a well-run local.”

Camra is calling on the Government to review business rates and lower the tax on beer sold in pubs.

Mr Antona added: “We urge that these asks are reflected in the forthcoming Budget to help save the great British pub.”

The British Beer and Pub Association agreed, saying that “policy makers have a great opportunity in the next budget to help pubs flourish”.

While the number of locals across the UK has dropped in the long-term, there are more employees working in pubs on average than a decade ago.

In 2007, the average pub in the UK employed five people. Now, the figure stands at eight.

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In Oxford, a similar trend has been seen, with the average pub employing 11 staff in 2019, up from six in 2007.

A Treasury spokesman said small pubs are part of 'the heart and soul of our communities' and promised to cut their bills in half through discounts and a new pubs relief.

In 2018, ONS figures showed 15 pubs had closed in Oxford since 2010.

These included the Holly Bush in Osney, which has since reopened, and the Duke on St Clements, now open as the Coconut Tree Sri Lankan restaurant.