The Campaign For Real Ale says beer tax hikes, supermarket competition and the economic downturn threatens to close up to 7,500 pubs by the end of 2012.

The group has written to the Chancellor Alistair Darling ahead of the Pre Budget Report to call for a reduction in VAT to assist pubs.

They have also asked for an investigation into the feasibility of a reduced rate of tax on beer sold in pubs and a minimum price per unit of alcohol to prevent alcohol being sold at a loss in the off trade.

Kath Duffy, landlady of the Newcastle Packet and president of the Scarborough branch of the Licensed Victuallers' Association, said: "If the Government doesn't do something then pubs are going to go. No one is safe.

"This is a dying trade and we need to get it back. We can't keep paying these beer hikes, it's just impossible.

"I don't know what's going to happen to any of us if they don't start helping us. There's got to be a reduction."

Mike Benner, chief executive for the Campaign for Real Ale, added: "Action to support pubs in the Pre Budget Report is essential in order to prevent a bloodbath of pub closures following the traditionally busy Christmas trading period."