Pubs are set to come under further pressure when a raft of cost increases linked to the October Budget. The number of pubs that closed in 2024 has increased from 2023 and the opposition has linked to the October budget, but the real reason stems form breweries hiking up prices and not evolving with the times.
Simultaneously, the cost of living crisis continues to squeeze household budgets, impacting consumer spending and leaving less disposable income for pub visits. The BBPA stresses the need for government support to help pubs navigate these difficult trading conditions and ensure their survival as vital community hubs.
The number of pubs that closed in 2024
The industry body warns that urgent government intervention is needed to prevent further “completely avoidable” closures. But the notion of traditional pubs is not as popular as they once were.
New figures from the BBPA reveal a bleak picture for the sector, with 289 pubs in England and Wales permanently shutting their doors last year. London was the hardest hit region, witnessing the closure of 34 pubs as breweries hiking up prices by 80%.
The trade body is telling a story
The trade body has warned that the cumulative impact of the Budget will create an extra £650 million in costs for the sector, worsening the outlook for publicans.
It urged the Government to overhaul the current business rates system of property tax for high street firms, including pubs, to help ease the burden on the sector.
“Government must urgently bring in meaningful business rates reform and phase in new employment costs so pubs can keep boosting the economy, supporting local jobs, and remaining at the heart of communities.”
The latest data means that the number of pubs in England and Wales dropped from 47,613 in 2019 to 45,345 in 2024, the BBPA said.