The data, which is from the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA), found the year that saw the highest number of pub closures was 2017 when the UK lost 1,950, going from 50,300 in 2016 to 48,350 in 2017 - a drop of 4.03% year-on-year.
The second largest drop was in 2013, there were 52,500 pubs - this was down 1,300 (1.89%) on 2012 where figures were at 53,800.
Two years later in 2015, the number of pubs fell by 1,100 against the previous year - down from 51,900 in 2014 to 50,800 a year later (2.17% fall year on year).
Number crunching
The year in the past quarter of a century that saw the fewest closures was 2001 where numbers fell by just 100 (60,800 in 2000 against 60,700 in 2001).
Most recently, numbers from 2023 to 2024 dropped by 350 (from 45,350 to 45,000) - this was the same number as the fall from 2019 to 2020 (47,200 to 46,850).
| Year | No. of pubs | Change from previous year |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 60,800 | |
| 2001 | 60,700 | down 100 |
| 2002 | 59,400 | down 600 |
| 2003 | 58,600 | down 500 |
| 2004 | 59,000 | down 400 |
| 2005 | 58,600 | down 400 |
| 2006 | 58,200 | down 400 |
| 2007 | 57,500 | down 700 |
| 2008 | 56,900 | down 600 |
| 2009 | 55,900 | down 1,000 |
| 2010 | 55,400 | down 500 |
| 2011 | 54,700 | down 700 |
| 2012 | 53,800 | down 900 |
| 2013 | 52,500 | down 1,300 |
| 2014 | 51,900 | down 600 |
| 2015 | 50,800 | down 1,100 |
| 2016 | 50,300 | down 500 |
| 2017 | 48,350 | down 1,950 |
| 2018 | 47,600 | down 750 |
| 2019 | 47,200 | down 400 |
| 2020 | 46,850 | down 350 |
| 2021 | 46,350 | down 500 |
| 2022 | 45,850 | down 500 |
| 2023 | 45,350 | down 500 |
| 2024 | 45,000 | down 350 |
However, looking at the figures from 2000 until 2024, there have been 15,800 pub closures - a difference of more than a third (35%).
BBPA CEO Emma McClarkin outlined the impact of the closures on the sector.
Burden reduction required
She said: “These figures are particularly painful not only because of the staff and communities that suffer when they close but because it’s completely avoidable.
“The British love affair with the pub has been unwavering, but the steady increase in red tape, taxes and bills have wiped out their tiny profits and forced them to shut up shop.”
The trade body boss called for action from the Government on a multitude of issues facing the industry.
“The only way to halt these unnecessary closures is for Government to act and act now to reduce the burden they are under,” she added.
“They must reform business rates, review the chaotic and harsh Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees, and mitigate the impact of soaring employment costs so pubs can keep the doors open.”
