Figures released by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) show that pubs in the UK closed at the rate of 30 a week in the first half of this year.
The research gathered by its online database Whatpub, and issued as part of CAMRA’s biennial pub closure figures, show that 772 were classed as 'long-term closed' - the highest figure since CAMRA revised its data collection methods in 2021.
However, CAMRA said many of these pubs could still reopen and most were seeking a new tenant or being marketed as pubs. A 'long-term closed' is where the pub is not currently trading but the building is technically a pub, while a 'permanent closure' is when a pub has been converted or demolished.
Pubs in England cannot be converted or demolished without planning permission - a vital protection campaigned for by CAMRA – which empowers communities to have their say on the future of their local boozers. Try ME N Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features CAMRA'S pub and club campaigns director, Gary Timmins, said the figures must be a "wake-up call for the government" to take a more "proactive approach" to ensure compliance with the national planning policy framework.