And it’s not because demand has dried up but because it is being suffocated by red tape, rates and regulations.
These are not just statistics; the numbers represent livelihoods, community spaces and heritage all being lost. To think of a pub as just a business shows a fundamental lack of knowledge. Pubs are the heart of every community, they put money in their staff members‘ pockets and they are the nation’s second home.
The pressures our sector faces are the direct result of policy decisions made by Governments over the years. And on top of these pressures, this April, a devastating mix of rising employment costs, a reduction in business rates relief and EPR (extended producer responsibility) fees hit our sector all at once. These staggering sums, once again, will push many to the edge.
Closures are avoidable
As I have said before - these closures are not inevitable, they are completely avoidable. Pubs continue to do a brisk trade and the public value their locals, which fend off loneliness and are one of the last places for people to come together under to connect as humans.
Despite the vital contribution pubs make to local economies, jobs and communities, publicans have been battling soaring bills, red tape and all too often are left with no option but to shut up shop.
We are not asking for special treatment — we ask only for fairness. We want a modernised business rates system that reflects the challenges of high street firms.
Time is not on our side
We want Government to seriously consider how they’ll mitigate employment cost rises and we absolutely want Government to review the nonsensical and unfair EPR system that will charge pubs twice to recycle the same one glass bottle.
I know Labour wants to unlock the UK’s potential, preserve what makes Britain great and boost workers and I support that – but to do so they must make practical, meaningful changes that support pubs.
Time is not on our side but, if Government acts before it is too late, we will continue to be the heart and soul of our communities.
It is time to back Britain’s pubs and brewers for both the economy and society.
