Some two pubs a day closed in the first quarter of this year, according to new figures from the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA).
One hundred and sixty-one pubs closed in the first three months of the year in England, Scotland, and WalesThis equates to the loss of around 2,400 jobs.
“The scale of these closures is avoidable because pubs are doing a brisk trade, but their profits are wiped out by a disproportionate tax burden and huge costs,” said Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA.
“We want to work with government to establish a permanent long-term plan that will deliver permanently lower bills, a fairer system and ultimately protect this treasured sector.”
The government has cut business rates bills by 15% this year, followed by a two-year freeze, and has increased its Hospitality Support Fund to £10m.
The government also points out that it has extended pub hours during the forthcoming football World Cup tournament. But while this may increase turnover over the bar, costs such as staffing and energy need to be taken into consideration during these extra sessions.
The public holds the government responsible for record pub closures, according to new research conducted by the Long Live the Local campaign and More in Common.
The campaigners say that the survey, which found that 54% of the public blames either national or local government when a pub closes, should act as a warning to politicians ahead of the local elections this week, that they must prioritise the sector. It seems more likely, though, that the election outcomes will be based on a broader view of the government’s economic competence.
