- Eight pubs a week ceased trading across the UK during the first half of the year, with 209 pubs in England and Wales demolished or repurposed by June.
- Since the beginning of 2020, a total of 2,283 pubs have permanently disappeared from communities across England and Wales, often converted into residential or commercial properties.
- The closures are attributed to escalating costs, including increases in the national minimum wage, national insurance contributions, and business rates.
- Hospitality businesses faced a significant reduction in their business rates discount, falling from 60 per cent to 25 per cent in April, leading to substantial tax bill increases.
- Industry leaders, such as the British Beer and Pub Association, are urging the government to implement urgent tax reforms and supportive measures in the upcoming autumn budget to prevent further pub closures.
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