PUBS have become landmarks not only in towns, but also for events in people’s lives.

Traditions such as wetting the baby’s head, functions to celebrate christenings, baptisms, birthdays and anniversaries among others have become a staple of the British boozer for decades.

They have become meeting points for nights out, landmarks for directions, and many a business deal has been sealed over a pint.

But their numbers are dropping rapidly, with nearly half of Bolton’s pubs disappearing over the past 10 years.

The recession in 2008 and subsequent decade of austerity have been blamed for a change in people’s spending, and the smoking ban has also led to a change in people’s drinking habits.

Figures show that 95 pubs have called time since 2003 and many of the larger sites have been demolished to make way for housing or other new developments such as shops.

Those looking to survive in or move into the industry need to move away from creating somewhere people just go to drink.

Customers want good-quality food, entertainment and an overall experience, rather than a quiet drink with friends.

They also want somewhere that is family-friendly and offers a range of beers, ales and wines, with an environment that makes people want to comeback. Pubs will survive, but need to adapt.