The decline in British pubs continued in the first half of the year. A total of 305 pubs closed in England and Wales between January and June, or around 50 a month. Some were demolished, some were converted into flats, offices or nurseries. North-west England was particularly affected.
The number of pubs has been falling for years. According to Altus, a total of 472 bars will close between April 2023 and March 2024 alone. At the end of June, there were 39,096 pubs in England and Wales.
Many reasons for closures
High inflation has driven up spending on energy and personnel, but consumers have spent significantly less. The sector has long called for lower corporate and alcohol taxes. Instead, there is a risk of higher taxes in the spring of 2025 if the government does not extend expiring exemption rules.
Pub owners also fear that beer duty, already very high by international standards, could be increased. Government plans to extend the smoking ban in beer gardens also have owners fearing further revenue losses.
Source: Krone
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