AS time is called at one of Stockport’s most iconic pubs its landlord has predicted more closures will follow.

Dave Prunty shut the Rising Sun, on London Road, Hazel Grove, on Saturday (January 18) and claims up to one in five of Stockport’s watering holes may follow by the end of the year such is the market’s decline.

Although he has thanked his regulars for their unswerving support he has pointed the finger at supermarkets selling cheap alcohol, as well as the smoking ban and credit crunch for keeping many customers at home.

Dave, 55, who has been at the pub just over five years, said: "The Rising Sun is an iconic pub but that doesn’t save you from closing. Supermarkets are selling alcohol cheaper than I can get it from wholesalers and people can’t come in and sit at the bar with a pint and smoke. The last two years have been a massive battle and unless something drastic happens up to 20 percent of pubs will have to close by the end of the year.  It will get to the stage when nostalgia kicks in and people will miss the traditional pub. The traditional British landlord has changed too, he is no longer a host, more someone who is on the sidelines delegating.  But I have enjoyed every minute of my time here, it has been like having a big family. I’d like to massively thank my regulars over the years."

The decline in pub goers is shown by Dave’s monthly takings - £9,000 four years ago, £3,500 during the last 12 months.  It is not believed anyone is lined up to take over the Rising Sun’s license.

Pete Burns, landlord at the Pineapple in Marple, said another factor strangling the pub industry is ever-increasing overheads - such as rent, gas and electricity.

He said: "2009 will be a very tough year for the licensing trade and traditional pubs will suffer the most. I am very sad to hear about the Rising Sun, I hope the fact this has happened to such a well-known pub will bring to people’s attention just how bad the situation is."

But John Clarke, from the Stockport branch of the Campaign for Real Ale, added: "Some licensees are suffering and I am sure there will be a fair few closures but I don’t anticipate a huge wave. It is sad to see the Rising Sun close as it is a famous pub. I hope to see it reopen."

A spokesman for Stockport’s largest brewery, Robinsons, said: "Pubs and the brewing industry are undoubtedly entering into one of the most difficult and challenging times that we can remember.

"In recent years the industry has been hit hard by the smoking ban and the huge price differential between responsible licensees serving beer in a safe and social environment, and supermarkets selling loss-leading alcohol only exacerbates the problem.  The trade and the public have also felt the stinging effect of a nine percent rise in beer duty last March and another eight percent rise in December. Further rises are expected in April as the Government’s ‘duty escalator’ kicks in."

He added: "Log-on to www.axebeertax.co.uk  where you can quickly and easily lobby your MP to take action."