AN MP has warned that the British pub may be consigned to history unless the government takes action.

Nigel Evans, MP for the Ribble Valley and vice-chair of the All Party Beer Group, has voiced his concern over the future of the pub industry.

His comments were made in light of the fact that pubs in the UK have been closing at a rate of 27 a week over the past year, with 1,409 pubs closing during 2007 according to a study by the British Beer abd Pub Association (BBPA).

These figures have been backed up by a recent Lancashire Telegraph report that at least 58 pubs have closed in East Lancashire.

Mr Evans said: "What is very upsetting is that pubs are part of British culture. They are often the hub of communities especially in rural areas and to see so many of them closing is a real shame.

"I think that there are a number of factors involved but possibly the biggest is the impact of the smoking ban.

"I have long said that we did not achieve the right balance with that particular legislation and the unintended consequences have put pressure on the pub industry.

"Unfortunately for pubs, we are now also at a time when people are feeling the pinch of a credit crunch and are having to re-evaluate what they spend their money on."

And he called on the Government to do more for the great British boozer.

"I do think that there is more support that we, as politicians, can give local pubs. Looking again at the blanket approach of the smoking ban would be one, the other is taxation.

"The duty on beer is causing a number of problems for landlords and has to be put along side the fact that supermarkets are under cutting the market and selling large amounts of alcohol very cheaply.

"I would like to see tougher regulations against that sort of marketing and I would also like to a cut in the excise duty on beer.

"People do have a right to enjoy a drink. However, at the moment, we are seeing a trend of buying cheaply and in bulk from supermarkets rather than enjoying a sociable drink in the local pub in an atmosphere of responsible drinking.

"I sincerely hope that the Government looks at this situation, otherwise the concept and heritage of the British pub may be consigned to history."