30 years ago all our villages had Labour clubs, working mens clubs, British Legions and many more pubs than they have now.
The Hare and Hounds pub pictured above is one of the latest casualties and there are another two former prosperous pubs in Billinge alone which are up for sale. Many all over Wigan are under threat.
Pubs are one of the institutions for which Britain is famous and which will soon cease to be part of our landscape which will be immeasurably poorer for their demise.
Local MPs weep crocodile tears over this loss but they are the cause of this.
High business taxes, rates and alcohol duty have all contributed but the final nail in the coffin has been the blanket ban on smoking in pubs, brought in on spurious health grounds.
If MPs were so concerned about the detrimental effects of smoking why is it that the only bar in the country in which smoking is allowed is in the House of Commons? Do you honestly think MPs care about our health more than they do their own? Smoking is also allowed in the European Parliament in Brussels.
As a retired doctor and ex smoker I am perfectly aware of the danger of smoking as I am aware of the dangers of some sports and alcohol in excess.
However I, as an Englishman believe in freedom so long as people know the risks of their actions.
There should be smoking pubs and non smoking pubs, but that would lead, as I have experienced to empty non smoking and full smoking pubs. I, given the choice would avoid the non smoking pubs if only to avoid the boring self righteous people in them.
The government knows this. It wants to destroy pubs and working mens clubs. Why? Because when working people meet over a pint they often voice politically incorrect opinions and could in some cases voice, Heaven forbid views similar to those of the BNP and that would never do would it?
Many political movements and unions had their birth in pubs and thus they are seen as a threat to the governing elite of Europe and its British poodle.
PUBS AND CLUBS ARE A DANGER TO THE EXISTING POLITICAL ORDER SO THEY MUST BE QUIETLY KILLED.
Meanwhile people can sit at home with their cheap lager and be brainwashed by the government controlled gogglebox. THEY will not start rocking the government's cosy boat.
Also the profits made from this cheap undrinkable crap will go to companies who fund the major parties.
1984 IS HERE NOW AND ONLY THE BNP CAN SEE IT.
So stop pretending to save our pubs, you hypocritical MPs.
You have destroyed them but THE BNPcan see through you!
