A growing number of pubs are targeting the family market as the key for business development according to the results of a new survey by Punch Taverns.

In the latest Punch Papers survey of just under 5,000 of its retailers, a staggering 80 per cent labelled their outlet as 'family friendly' compared to just 66 per cent when asked the same question last year.

Punch’s customer services director, Francis Patton, said: "The fact that an additional 690 outlets have geared themselves up to be family friendly in the space of just 12 months indicates an interesting market trend.

"It would appear that our retailers are responding to a growing demand from pub-goers who want to share the experience with their family and are asking for the necessary facilities.

"With family events such as Mothers’ Day and Easter just around the corner, this is great news for the industry and an indication that pubs are being viewed less as adult only venues and more as places to enjoy a good time out with the family."

A total of 4,924 Punch Taverns retailers responded to the questionnaire covering key sales and marketing issues.

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