In the 1970s, at the the height of recessionary times, the number of pubs did not contract, but in fact expanded to a peak in 1979.

That is to say, when money was tight, unemployment higher than now, when the trade was suffering competition from cheap off-licence booze, when costs were high, when the breathalizer was being introduced; in other words, when all of those things that are NOW being alleged as causes for permanent pub closures - the pub trade expanded.

The only new element, in 2008, is the SMOKER BAN. The very vast majority of regular REAL PUB customers are also smokers. Rather, they were - up to July 2008. They are not there anymore; they were disowned by the trade and 'denormalised' by the government. Pubs are closing at an alarming rate.

Rocket science, isn't it?

Donal Mac, cork/chingford,

Mr Benn ... said: “The rural pub is more than just a business, it is the heart of the rural community.”

If he really believes this then he is wallowing in the same 'neo-Gothic nostalgia' which, it seems, Charles permanently inhabits. Gone, mercifully, are the days when the 'rural community' packed into their smoke filled public bar rather than go home to their barely heated houses. Gone too the days when you could stop off for a couple of pints on the way home : most people no longer live and work locally so drinking and driving is a major issue.

The golden age of the traditional pub - if it ever existed - has gone. The social and commercial factors which sustained it have gone forever. It's sad that Monarchy and Ministers are apparently trying to turn the clock back rather than move forward.

john, Oxford, England

The Prince of Wales certainly has a genuine care for the people of Britain. He'll make a good King oneday.

Paul Martin, Brisbane, Qld. Australia

Is there any wonder that pubs go out of business when you consider the prices? It used to be a working person's regular pastime, a few hours in the pub. Not any more, it seems. I don't blame the landlords so much as the government and the breweries. I can't afford to drink in a pub, so don't. But I would if I could.

Apart from the prices, the ubiquitous gaming machines and loud widescreen tellies are driving away a lot of traditional drinkers who liked a pint and a natter to put the world to rights. There aren't any pubs any more - not many, anyhow.

Andy Armitage, Hebron, Whitland, West Wales, UK

Trust an Aussie to find culture in a wetherspoons.

Bob, London, UK

Fewer, better, pubs is a blessing. The best will be thriving.

Those that don't innovate, those that think that because the 'pub is the pillar of the community' it has some kind of divine right to exist, those that play victim and blame budgets, supermarkets, smoking bans, those - well they need to rethink.

Here's to Alan and Louise. Well done for thinking of your customers. And to those of you that are moaning, it's your choice, change or be forced to change, or look for another way to earn your living. What are you doing to make your pub somewhere 50 or 60 people a night want to go to?

Think about it before you answer!

Rose n'Crown, Chipping Sodbury,

I used to drink in the Roseneath mentioned in this article. Five years ago it was packed every night, but by this time last year (BEFORE the smoking ban) it was empty every night.
The price of drinks in pubs has not risen enough in five years to cause this change and the pubs were empty long before the smoking ban. There is simply a cultural change going on.

Gareth Rees, Gillingham, Kent

The smoking ban is similar to the invasion of Iraq. No thought given to the after effects.

chas, suffolk, england

Weatherspoons, a pub. Jesus, a Weathersoons 'pub' is a cost centre, revenue earner, not a part of the make up of community life. Avoid them at all costs, poor ale, Harvester/Little Chef menu and complete lack of atmosphere. But being British, the lowest common denominator is desirable. Mediocrity rules

jack Sodbury, bristol,

Any chance of Charles going to see some urban communities?

Chris, Birmingham,

Pubs are for men smokers not women. Wetherspoons are not pubs, but for the public and that includes women.

jane, Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire

Lets hope that pubs keep closing at this phenominal rate as it prepares us for New Labours dual objectives of Sharia Law and of course eliminating binge drinking.

A sobering thought too, that the bars might be shut in the Houses of Parliament.

Sober M.P.'s?

Doesn't that sound like a bridge too far?

jane bond, morecambe, england

wow, I love pubs but I can't think of 2 worse people to have a pint with than strange eco-freak Prince Charles and dull rich lefty Hilarity Benn.

Neil McF, Southampton, England

as a visitor to uk . regarding pubs. you only have to take weatherspoons as a classical excample. good quality food and drinks in a reasonable atmosphere. from 1 pub to 700 in 10 -11 yrs.

p williams, batemans bay, australia