‘Drinking was big!’ Pub landlords – one gen Z, one 66 – discuss how they stay open in an age of sobriety

The GuardianTuesday, October 28, 2025 at 10:00:24 AM
‘Drinking was big!’ Pub landlords – one gen Z, one 66 – discuss how they stay open in an age of sobriety
In a time when over 400 pubs closed in England and Wales last year due to rising costs and declining drinking rates among young people, two pub landlords from different generations share their insights on the challenges and opportunities in the industry. Coby Morton, 28, and Jason Osborne, 66, discuss how they adapt to changing drinking habits and what it means for the future of pubs. Their conversation highlights the resilience of the pub industry and the need for innovation to attract customers in an age increasingly focused on sobriety.
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