PUBLICANS in rural areas have suffered a drop in business, in recent months, due to high petrol prices.

Figures released in a survey this week showed that 39 per cent of the 3,000 people interviewed said they were less inclined to drive to a rural pub for lunch as a result of rising fuel costs.

The figures were released as a gallon of unleaded petrol now costs an average of £6.17, 30 per cent more than in 2009, and showed 46 per cent of people surveyed were spending less on drinking outside the home.

Glenys Crampton, runs the Birch Hall Inn, near Goathland, with her husband Neil, and said they had seen a noticeable change in the numbers of visitors who drive out to their pub.

She said: “It’s very much made a difference this year. You just get the feeling that people are not going for a run out, like they used to, for a cup of tea, scone or whatever.

The survey, by administrator Zolfo Cooper, also showed that the average person had reduced their number of pub visits from 5.3 times per month to 4.3, and spend about £2 less per visit than they did a year ago.

Rob Franklin, owner of the Bay Horse in Terrington, said he had also noticed a drop in trade over recent months.

He said: “Being a remote countryside pub, it has really affected us over the summer.

“It is a noticeable drop off, especially in the evening. The daytime custom is about the same, but evening trade is much less.”

Rob said the fact that the pub was in the Good Beer Guide and other tourist books had helped to draw in visitors and tourists who may already be in the area, but he said the pub was experimenting with new ideas and specialist nights to boost regular trade.

Paul Bryce, manager and licensee of the Three Tuns Inn in Osmotherly, near Northallerton, said: “It has been a bit of a slow summer anyway, partly due to the weather, certainly compared to last year it’s tailed off.”

However, the Blacksmith’s Arms in Westow, and the Black Swan in Helmsley, said business had been “very good” this summer, despite petrol costs.