BLUE SQUARE have launched a campaign to see dartboards returned to traditional British public houses.
Blue Square, the title sponsors of the Blue Square UK Open, have followed up their backing of the Punch Taverns Qualifiers by launching a bid to see 10,000 dartboards installed in pubs by 2017.
They commissioned a study into the decline of dartboards in pubs, with the rise of "gastro-pubs" seeing former oches replaced by dining tables or comfortable sofas.
Carried out amongst over 1,000 regular pub-goers, the study revealed the following:
Just one in ten Brits has enjoyed a game of darts in the past year
By comparison, only five years ago, 41% enjoyed a game of arrows with a pint
4 in 10 young men (in their twenties) have never thrown a dart in their lives
39% of young men have no idea what a bullseye is worth
Just over half (53%) of British boozers has a dartboard
Phil Taylor, the 13-time World Darts Champion, has backed the campaign to restore dartboards to pride of place in pubs around the country.
"Darts has given me so many great opportunities and memories," said Taylor. "I hope this campaign can play its part in rejuvenating the sport at grass-roots level."
Professional Darts Corporation Chief Executive Tim Darby said: "Darts is now enjoying a real boom in terms of crowds and televised audiences, but increasingly less people are able to take part in their own pubs.
"It would be great if the current interest of the public could be reflected by pubs giving their punters the chance to take part in this great British sport."
"The solution is simple and it would be fantastic to see landlords restoring dartboards to their rightful place in pubs across the country."
To join Phil 'The Power' Taylor in the campaign to Save Our Darts, log on to www.saveourdarts.com.
Phil Taylor, the 13-time World Darts Champion, has backed the campaign to restore dartboards to pride of place in pubs around the country.
"Darts has given me so many great opportunities and memories," said Taylor. "I hope this campaign can play its part in rejuvenating the sport at grass-roots level."
Professional Darts Corporation Chief Executive Tim Darby said: "Darts is now enjoying a real boom in terms of crowds and televised audiences, but increasingly less people are able to take part in their own pubs.
"It would be great if the current interest of the public could be reflected by pubs giving their punters the chance to take part in this great British sport."
"The solution is simple and it would be fantastic to see landlords restoring dartboards to their rightful place in pubs across the country."
To join Phil 'The Power' Taylor in the campaign to Save Our Darts, log on to www.saveourdarts.com.