- Steep Decline in Pubs Across England and Wales
- Calls for Business Rates Relief Extension
- Concerns About the Impact on Communities and Economy
According to new information, 383 taverns have been demolished or redeveloped. Wales has lost 52 taverns so far this year, more than any English region.
More than two pubs in England and Wales are “disappearing” every day, according to recent statistics.
In the second quarter of 2023, fifty percent more taverns closed their doors permanently compared to the first quarter.
According to data compiled by commercial real estate intelligence firm Altus Group, a total of 383 taverns have been demolished or redeveloped.
This is nearly as high as the figure for the whole of 2022, which saw 386 pubs vanish for good.
Wales lost 52 taverns in the first six months of the year, more than any other English region.
London and the northwestern region of England each lost 46 taverns.
To prevent further irrevocable closures, the British Beer and Pub Association has called for an extension of business rates relief.
Pubs get a 75% discount on business rates for 2023/2024, up to £110,000 per establishment.
However, the discount will expire after the current fiscal year.
Next April, company rates are expected to rise, which industry analysts say could increase annual expenses by over 6%.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive officer of the British Beer and Pub Association, stated that the figures “indicate what’s to come” if business rates relief is not extended.
“Since 2020, our pubs have faced a variety of obstacles, from forced closures to an ongoing energy crisis, and for many, the impending increase in business rates at the beginning of next year will be the final straw,” she said.
“Under the right conditions, our pubs have demonstrated their resilience by surviving for centuries. But we need the government to lay the groundwork so they can continue to serve their communities in the future.”
Welsh government spokesperson: The closures are “significantly concerning” and the administration is “closely monitoring the situation.”
The spokesperson added, “We have put in place a package of support including over £140 million to extend our non-domestic rates relief for retail, leisure, and hospitality ratepayers in Wales.”
“However, the United Kingdom Government must also use the levers at its disposal to take additional urgent steps to target gaps in support, particularly for businesses that are also feeling the effects of rising costs.”
A Treasury spokesperson acknowledged that the government is aware of the “challenges pubs face.”
The Brexit Pubs Guarantee keeps alcohol duty on pints low.
“We remain committed to delivering on the now-completed business rates review, which reduces the average bill in every English region and helps level the playing field for high streets and town centers through more frequent property revaluations, caps on rising bills and the immediate implementation of bill reductions for businesses.”
