Pubs are a sanctuary, but for how much longer?

For decades the pub has been the average man's sanctuary, the place where he can escape the stress of the day and simply relax, but now this tradition is under threat.

Over the past months Cardiff pubs have been closing at an alarming rate - up to the point once vibrant streets such as St Marys have come to resemble something out of a ghost town.

While authentic Welsh bars such as the Mitre Pub and the Cow and Snuffers have fallen victim to this trend, major chains such as Wetherspoons go from strength to strength, riding the crest of a wave of homogenisation.

Brands such O'Neils and Yates increasingly tighten their grip on the market while traditional pubs have seen their clientele dwindle as people eschew their tawdry charm in favour of buying beer from the supermarket and drinking at home.

For these days people are counting their pennies and their main concern seems to be getting as drunk as they can while spending as little as possible.

Yet those who make a business out of bashing binge Britain still see the pubs as an easy target, but these detractors fail to recognise the true role of the pub.

These are not just drinking holes, these are part of Wales' history and though some of them may be a little rough around the edges they are a scrapbook for bygone years.

This paper hopes the welsh people will face up to the sobering truth of fate which awaits their pubs and will take action to save them before it is too late.