MORE than 1300 pubs across the UK are currently under threat from closure, according to new research.

About 56 pubs shut down for good every month, according to figures released by the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra).

The bulk of closures (80%) happen in urban areas where the premises are often converted into housing, restaurants, shops or offices.

Scotland is not suffering as badly as down south, but the smoking ban has led some major pub companies to sell, or consider selling, some "land-locked" pubs - those which do not have quality outdoor areas for smokers.

Camra says a legal loophole - which it insists must be closed - allows developers to change pubs into other retail premises without getting permission. The campaign group also wants all big new housing developments to include a pub.

Camra chief executive Mike Benner said pubs are an important focal point in local communities. "Across the UK, a sword hangs over more than 1300 pubs nationwide and falls on an average 56 a month, depriving communities of a vital hub for ever," he said.

Camra defines pubs under threat from closure as those currently closed for business and facing an uncertain future - such as a change of use.

Its figures are a national average worked out on the basis of information provided in a survey of its 197 UK branches. The monthly figure does not take account of any new pub openings.

Ken Davie, Camra's director in Scotland and Northern Ireland, said: "There are no definitive figures of pubs under threat in Scotland. However, although the smoking ban in Scotland is having some impact, I don't think we are suffering to the same extent as south of the border.

"Some pubs reported takings down by up to 50% in the few months after the ban but this has recovered in many cases to levels of about 20%.

"We know of one or two land-locked' pubs which have been put up for sale by their owners because they do not have quality outdoor areas for smokers."