Almost 300 pubs closed last year ahead of cost rises, figures show

The government has been urged to take action after it has been revealed that around six pubs closed every week last year. The closures resulted in the loss of 4,500 jobs, according to industry figures.

The British Beer and Pub Association has told the government that action is needed to avoid more “completely avoidable” closures. The numbers have been felt in Greater Manchester in recent years with a number of much loved ale houses ceasing to exist.

In 2023, 24 permanent closures in the region with the industry being described as nearing a 'cliff edge'. Fresh figures from the trade body found that 289 pubs served last orders for a final time in 2024 in England and Wales.

The figures showed that London saw the highest proportion of its pubs shut down over the year, as 34 closed down. The closures come amid pressure from higher borrowing costs and high energy bills for businesses, alongside a continued squeeze on household finances as mortgage and rent costs increase.

Pubs are set to come under further pressure when a raft of cost increases linked to the October Budget, such as higher National Insurance contributions and an increase in the minimum wage, come into force in April.

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.

Many firms are also due to face increased costs in April, due to a planned reduction in the business rates discount for hospitality, leisure and retail firms from 75% to 40%.

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA,