Britons are seeing almost one pub close down every day, with nearly 300 shutting permanently in the first nine months of the year, according to industry figures.
The latest data from the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) showed that 226 pubs closed in England, 64 in Scotland and a further five in Wales. According to the BBPA’s projections, the number of pubs forced to close by the end of the year will reach approximately 360. This would result in the loss of around 5,000 jobs, more than half of which are held by people under the age of 25.
Pub owners attribute this year’s wave of closures to operating costs and high taxes, despite a recent reduction in business rates for companies in the sector.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA, has called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to introduce additional measures to support the industry, in order to save jobs and strengthen local economies.