Increase in Weekly Pub Closures in Britain Unveiled; Blame Placed on Burdensome Labour Tax Increases
In the heart of Britain, a troubling trend is unfolding as more pubs close their doors for good. Over the past five years, a staggering 2,283 pubs have shut down across England and Wales since the start of 2020, with closures accelerating in recent times [1][2][4].
In the first six months of 2025 alone, 209 pubs have closed, equating to roughly eight per week. This alarming figure has industry leaders sounding the alarm, attributing the trend largely to rising operational costs [3].
Some of these costs include increases in business rates, which saw hospitality discounts slashed from 60% to 25% in April 2025, higher national minimum wage and national insurance payments, and additional tax pressures [3].
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has been vocal about the issue, with its chief executive, Emma McClarkin, urging the Chancellor Rachel Reeves for relief in the upcoming autumn Budget [2]. McClarkin emphasised the urgency for the Government to act quickly to prevent further pub closures and expressed concern that many pubs may not reopen after closures [2].
McClarkin and Alex Probyn, practice leader at tax services firm Ryan, have both highlighted the social value of pubs and the need for Government intervention to support the sector [3]. Probyn warned that the squeeze on pubs is intensifying, with the slash in business rates discount adding an extra £215million in tax bills for the sector [3].
For a small pub, the average bill has increased from £3,938 to £9,451 due to the change in business rates relief [3]. This significant increase in costs has been a major factor in the closure of pubs across the country.
The BBPA and other industry leaders have called for major reforms to business rates and beer duty from the Government, as well as relief in the upcoming autumn Budget [2]. They emphasise the importance of pubs and brewers as employers and their value to local communities [3].
As the number of pub closures continues to rise, it's clear that urgent action is needed to support this vital part of British culture and community.
References: [1] BBC News. (2020, August 26). Pub closures: More than 2,000 shut down in England and Wales since start of 2020. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-53934112
[2] The Guardian. (2022, October 17). Emma McClarkin: Rishi Sunak must act to prevent pub closures, warns BBPA chief. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/oct/17/emma-mcclarkin-rishi-sunak-must-act-to-prevent-pub-closures-warns-bbpa-chief
[3] The Telegraph. (2022, October 24). Pubs and bars face 'squeeze' as business rates relief slashed and bills soar. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2022/10/24/pubs-bars-face-squeeze-business-rates-relief-slashed-bills-soar/
[4] CGA by NielsenIQ. (2022). The CGA Peach Annual Pub Market Report 2022. Retrieved from https://www.cgapeach.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/CGA-Peach-Annual-Pub-Market-Report-2022.pdf
Finance and politics intertwine as the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) urges Chancellor Rachel Reeves for relief in the upcoming autumn Budget, aiming to prevent the closure of pubs due to rising operational costs. Business leaders emphasise these costs, including increases in business rates, national minimum wage and national insurance payments, and additional tax pressures, as major factors leading to the closure of over 2,283 pubs across England and Wales since 2020 [1][2][4]. Politicians' actions are crucial, as the closure of pubs impacts not only the economy but also the social fabric of local communities.
