More than one pub is set to close every day this year, leading to the loss of over 5,600 jobs, as per a warning from a prominent industry organization. The British Beer and Pub Association predicts that 378 pubs will shut down in 2025 across England, Wales, and Scotland, in addition to the 350 closures recorded last year.
This trend would bring the total number of pubs to approximately 44,600, the lowest figure seen this century, with more than 22,000 pubs shutting down in the last 25 years. Advocacy efforts like the “Your Pub Needs You” campaign by the Daily Mirror aim to shed light on the challenges faced by local pubs.
The BBPA’s somber projection coincides with its call for the government to overhaul business rates for the sector. Emma McClarkin, the association’s chief executive, highlighted the financial struggles faced by pubs, emphasizing that high operational costs often make it difficult for them to sustain profitability, leading to closures and subsequent job losses.
The association urges the government to initiate comprehensive business rates reform, address rising employment costs, and reduce beer duty to support the struggling pub sector. Additionally, the BBPA warned that pub closures will have ripple effects on various industries within the supply chain, such as farmers and brewers.
In a separate development, a survey conducted by the Association of Convenience Stores revealed that pharmacies and Post Offices are considered the most essential services in communities, with pubs playing a significant role in boosting the local economy. The survey also indicated that corner shops and banks are essential services, while vape shops, pawnbrokers, and fast food outlets are less favored by the public.
James Lowman, the chief executive of the Association of Convenience Stores, emphasized the importance of providing crucial local services on high streets to meet community needs effectively. The survey data offers insights into the preferences and economic impact of different types of services within local communities.