subject: Where Would We Be Without Pubs [print this page] On the face of it, it would seem obvious why pubs are important. Pubs provide a home away from home, a sanctuary from the everyday grind and a place to escape from the otherwise mundane. However what you might not realise is that pubs throughout history have played an integral role shaping society into what it is today. Even today if it wasn't for pubs, a lot of the things that we take for granted just might not exist.
In light of this, we decided to compile a list of facts and figures about pubs and how they contribute to our lives.
Pubs are in the top 10 largest employers of people in most western countries, providing both full and part time work to thousands of people. Whether they are hospitality professionals or uni students paying their tuition, pubs since the dawn of time have helped families put food on the table.
In the middle ages, pubs doubled as homeless shelters as well as political forums to discuss village issues.
You probably didn't know this, but pubs have a key role in preventing the spread of SARS, swine flu and other potential pandemics. Under the national pandemic action plan, pubs and hotels are required to house people who have been in contact with sufferers of the pandemic in question.
If it wasn't for pubs, bands like ACDC, Hoodoo Guru's, INXS, The Living End, You Am I, Midnight Oil, The Triffids, The Living End, Australian Crawl (and the list goes on) would likely never have made it big, as these bands all started playing in pubs around Australia
Beer served from beer taps in pubs creates significantly less CO2, the main greenhouse gas then bottled beer.
Pubs generate billions of dollars in tax revenue which is spent on roads, hospitals and a range of other important social infrastructure. Whilst everyone hates getting taxed, beer prices in Australia as compared to some western countries are comparatively low.
During the late 60's and early 70's, pubs became the venues for change, as both women and men became permitted to drink together. Whilst this was only one of many changes in society during the feminist push for gender equality, it was one that was highly visible to the commoner in day to day life.
Pubs give you somewhere to watch "Main Event" sporting fixtures, without paying the ridiculously high prices.
If it wasn't for pubs, most people would have to actually buy glasses. (Don't make out you've never snuck off with a glass or two from your local pub)
