According to figures from the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA), there were 60,800 pubs in 2000.
Numbers have dropped every year since with 2017 seeing the biggest decrease of 1,950 going from 50,300 in 2016 to 48,350 the following year (a drop of 4.03% year on year).
In contrast, the year that saw the fewest closures was 2001 where numbers fell by just 100 (60,800 in 2000 compared to 60,700 in 2001).
Figures focus
In 2025, the number of pubs fell to 44,650 - 350 fewer than the previous year. This was the same number as the drop from 2023 to 2024 (45,350 to 45,000).
Over the past decade, there has been 6,150 fewer pubs - 50,800 in 2015 against 44,650 in 2025.
However, 2021, 2022 and 2023 saw pub numbers drop by 500 a year. This slowed slightly in 2024 to 350 and remained at 350 in 2025.
Looking at the figures from 2000 to 2025, there have been 16,150 pub closures - a difference of more than a third (36%).
Investment and growth
BBPA CEO Emma McClarkin said the statistics highlighted the importance of business rates support and called for meaningful reform.
She said: “Every pub that closes represents lost jobs, less community spaces and a blow to the local economy.
“The love affair with the pub endures but, despite good trade, many publicans’ profits are wiped out by a disproportionate tax burden and huge costs which forces many to close.
“These closures underline why the pub specific business rates relief was so important, and we welcome Government backing our beloved institutions.
“I hope Government builds on those positive steps by working with us on a permanent, long-term plan that will deliver lower bills, a fairer system and mean we can invest and grow in people and communities.”
