One pub closing every day as landlord calls cost hikes 'Japanese water torture'
An estimated 360 pubs across Britain will close this year (Image: Getty Images)
TL;DR
- Pubs are closing at a rate of one per day, with 295 shut by September and an estimated 360 by year-end.
- This closure rate is expected to result in approximately 5,000 job losses, with over half affecting those under 25.
- Industry figures cite soaring bills and pressure on the cost of living as primary reasons for closures.
- The closure of pubs results in significant lost tax receipts for the government, estimated at nearly £72 million this year.
- England has seen 226 pub closures, with the South East and North West most affected; Scotland and Wales also experienced closures.
- The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) blames damaging tax and regulatory burdens exacerbated by successive Budgets.
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a 20% business rate cut for pubs, social clubs, and live music venues from April.
- Landlords describe the rising costs, including energy and employment, as 'Japanese water torture', making survival a key target.
- The BBPA is advocating for a permanently fair rates burden, freezing beer duty, increasing draught relief, and reviewing employment costs for under-25s.