CASC Bar, a staple of Aberdeen’s nightlife since 2013, has announced its closure, with owners Bill and Paul West blaming the city’s controversial bus gates and Low Emission Zone (LEZ) for their business decline.
The Stirling Street bar, known for its extensive beer selection and unique concept combining Cigars, Ale, Scotch, and Coffee, had been struggling since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the owners claim that recent city centre changes dealt the final blow.
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“Then came the final nail in the coffin with the utterly ridiculous LEZs/bus gates, and the seemingly never-ending construction around the city turning the centre into a no-go zone for many,”, the owners stated in a social media post.
The Wests also cited other factors contributing to their decision, including the conversion of nearby hotels within Aberdeen’s co-called ‘Merchant Quarter’ into homeless shelters, as well as the current state of the Aberdeen Market site.
“It’s no wonder we felt like Biff Tannen’s Pleasure Paradise in Back to the Future’s alternate and hellish: Hill Valley,” they added.
However, some experts suggest that the closure may be part of a broader trend affecting pubs across the UK. A recent survey by Deloitte found that between Q4 2023 and Q1 2024, there was a 6% decline in consumer spending on “drinking in pubs and bars” among British consumers.
Céline Fenech, consumer insight lead at Deloitte, explained, “The cost of living crisis and the fact that things remain more expensive than they were a year or two years ago are impacting [consumer behaviours].”
Furthermore, changing attitudes towards alcohol consumption, particularly among younger generations, may be contributing to the decline in traditional pub culture. Research indicates that Gen Z is increasingly “sober curious,” with many opting for alcohol-free alternatives or seeking different forms of socializing.
Emma Hutchison, founder of the global drinks agency Sweet & Chilli, noted: “Gen Z wants brands that align with their own mindsets and they’re making more conscious decisions about how they consume.”
Despite these broader trends, the closure of CASC Bar has left many Aberdeen residents disappointed. The owners expressed their gratitude to staff and customers, stating: “We’ve had a total blast serving you over the years, so thank you for supporting us.”
As Aberdeen’s city centre continues to evolve, the closure of CASC Bar serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the hospitality industry in a changing urban landscape and shifting social norms.
