Rhythm & booze

Pubs turn to gigs to boost sales

PUBS are staging live music to attract customers amid a wave of closures and soaring costs.

Research has revealed around 2,000 bar owners aim to increase their sales by hosting concerts.

Heated tobacco firm Ploom also found pubs plan more quiz nights, accommodation and beer gardens.

Sarah Connor, of Ploom, said: "There's a huge tradition of global superstars being given their first exposure in small UK venues "Right now, people are struggling to pay for concerts in huge venues by big artists, and it feels like the time's right for a return to smaller, pub venues and local acts.