They're something we often take for granted, but the organisation the Campaign for Real Ale is warning that a growing number of pubs are at risk of going out of business.
The group says that, with many of us not drinking alcohol at this time of year, many landlords simply can't meet the overheads and could easily go under.
Kenny Toal reports.
An historic pub that was once the haunt of Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott has been saved after locals raised 160 thousand pounds to buy it.
The Crook Inn at Tweedsmuir was at risk of falling down after it closed in 2006, now there are plans to turn it into a community hub.
The Crook Inn in Tweedsmuir was a favourite haunt of literary greats Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott. Burns even wrote a poem while perched at the bar.
Built in the 17th century it was once at the heart of the community but closed not long after celebrating it's 400th birthday.
For the last five years a local charity group has fought to prevent it being sold off to be converted into flats.
In March they signed a contract allowing them to buy and restore the Inn to it's former glory.
The deal was based on them being able to come up £160,000 by the end of 2012. Today they will announce if they have managed to hit the target.