Britain Set to See a Pub Close Every Single Day in 2025, British Beer and Pub Association Warns

• Closures equate to approximately 5,600 job losses 

• Huge cost pressures at heart of pubs calling last time, BBPA warns 

• Government can solve problem by overhauling business rates for brewers and pubs, which is one of the most highly taxed sectors

One pub is set to close every single day in 2025 across Great Britain, according to latest figures from the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA).   

The industry body, which represents more than 20,000 pubs, estimated that 378 pubs will close this year across England, Wales, and Scotland, which would amount to more than 5,600 direct job losses. 

The BBPA said “it is not too late” for Government to solve the issue by swiftly reforming business rates for the sector, which is amongst the most highly taxed industries in the UK.   

The trade association said reducing the cumulative tax and regulatory burden would help more pubs stay open, leading to more investment and jobs while also protecting spaces that, for many communities, are the only places left to gather.  

Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “Pubs are trading well but most of the money that goes into the till goes straight back out in bills and taxes. For many it’s impossible to make a profit which all too often leads to pubs turning off the lights for the last time. 

“When a pub closes it puts people out of a job, deprives communities of their heart and soul, and hurts the local economy.  

"However, it’s not too late to change this sad state of affairs. We know Government recognises the economic and social value of pubs and we’re not asking for special treatment, we just want the sector’s rich potential unleashed.  

“We’re calling on Government to proceed with meaningful business rates reform, mitigate these eye-watering new employment and EPR costs, and cut beer duty."  

With the beer and pub sector pouring more than £34 billion into the economy in one year alone and supporting more than a million jobs, the BBPA says Government must remain committed to supporting the sector.  

The projected 2025 figures compare to 350 closures in 2024.  

For every three pounds spent in a pub, one pound goes straight to the tax man, the BBPA stressed.   

The BBPA warned that pub closures will have a further impact on those who are part of the supply chain, including farmers, brewers and other industries who form part of the sector’s wider eco-system.  

ENDS 

Notes to editors 

Spokespeople are available. 

The British Beer and Pub Association 2025 estimations are based on available information from the Valuation Office Agency and Scottish Assessors Roll about closures in the first six months of 2025. Northern Ireland data is not yet available. 

Job losses are estimated based on Oxford Economics figures.  

About the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA):    

We are the UK's leading trade association representing pubs and breweries. Our members brew 90% of British beer and own nearly half of UK pubs.    

We are the voice of pubs and brewers, offering insight and policy thinking to government, political stakeholders and media alike to help ensure that there is an in-depth understanding of both the opportunities and challenges faced by the sector and the policy solutions to bring about the optimal fiscal and policy framework that will underpin a thriving pub and brewing sector in the UK.   

Contact: Anna Edwards aedwards@beerandpub.com

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