The number of pubs, bars, restaurants and other licensed premises fell by 1% to 98,319 in the 12 months to September 2026, according to NIQ’s latest Hospitality Market Monitor.
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The decline represents 977 net closures, equivalent to almost 19 venues a week.
In the three months to September, the sector recorded a net loss of 245 sites, with 2,436 closures offset by 2,191 openings.
Continued pressure
The figures come as hospitality businesses prepare for the crucial Christmas trading period amid continued cost pressures and subdued consumer confidence.
NIQ’s RSM Business Tracker has recorded sales growth below inflation for managed hospitality groups for 16 consecutive months, while its latest Business Confidence Survey with Zonal found just 37% of sector leaders were optimistic about their business prospects over the next year.
Casual dining has been particularly affected, with the number of venues falling 2.2% year on year and 23.4% since the start of the pandemic in 2020.
However, accommodation businesses have shown greater resilience, with licensed hotels increasing 0.2% and holiday and caravan parks rising 0.7% over the past year.
Calls for support
NIQ director of hospitality operators and food for EMEA Karl Chessell said: “Net closures of nearly 1,000 licensed premises in the last 12 months highlight the pile-up of challenges facing hospitality.
“While there are encouraging pockets of growth, the general direction of travel is obvious, and the sector is now entering a critical couple of months.
“Meaningful support on this burden of costs is needed to protect thousands of vulnerable businesses from closure.”
Chessell added that with the right support and stronger consumer spending, hospitality could help drive economic growth and job creation.
