Three pubs go on the market

Three pubs in the Black Country and Staffordshire have gone on the market as a major bar chain attempts to off-load some 50 of its outlets.

The decision by Punch Taverns comes as pubs around the country struggle with a downturn in trade caused by rising beer costs and a loss of customers because of the smoking ban.

The majority of the pubs are being offered on 10 to 15-year tied assignable leases.

Stafford's Lynton Tavern in Lynton Road is up for sale for £42,000 and the owner of the business will have to pay £50,000 a year in rent.

The successful applicant will also get a three-bedroom flat above the pub.

The Mary Rose in Moons Lane, in Cheslyn Hay, is also for sale for £26,000 and a rent of £49,000 a year.

Kingswinford's Park Tavern in Cot Lane is on the market at £20,000.

No-one at any of the pubs was allowed to comment on the sale but staff confirmed there were no plans to close them beforehand.

Chris Hedges, special projects director at Punch Taverns, said: "As with any pub operator, we constantly review our estate to maximise the potential of our pubs. One of our key strengths is that we have the ability to make sure that we have the right pub in the right place, operating under the best model," he said.

"As part of business as usual, we have identified 50 pubs to transfer from our managed to leased estates."

All staff at the pubs will transfer to the new owners under the terms of the sales.

According to the British Beer and Pub Association, 27 locals close their doors for good every week.

Midland secretary Richard Matthews said 1,409 pubs shut down nationwide last year.

"It is tough at the minute," he said.

"There is the smoking ban, high cost of raw materials, a general culture shift and high duty increases, around 40 per cent of the price of a pint goes to the Government," he added.