40 pubs each month called last orders in the first half of the year in the UK due to rising costs, and consumers are able to buy cheaper alcohol from supermarkets.
In the six months to June 235 closed their doors for the last time, according to Altus Group, a real estate data company.
Extortionate business rates, cost pressures along with a failing high street are squeezing every drop from pubs.
The number of pubs in England and Wales liable business rates was 41,301 on 30 June, compared with a fall of 1,149 pubs the last 18 months.
Despite a slowdown in pubs closing the changing leisure habits and cheaper supermarket costs, higher business rates with an increased minimum wage, pubs are going to have to move with the times to survive.
Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UK Hospitality said, Cost pressures, principally extortionate business rates, are pushing too many pubs to the margins and high streets are being squeezed.
“We have heard various members of the Government say they wish to stimulate investment in high streets and support businesses.
“If they are serious, then they need to tackle these increasing costs – otherwise, more pubs will close.”
Alex Probyn, president of expert services at Altus, said that Government measures to support the future of pubs may be having an impact.
He said, “Since legislative changes in May 2017, pubs looking to respond to the changing market have been able to expand their food offer without the cost and uncertainty of having to apply for planning permission.
“Meanwhile, local communities, through the community right to bid provisions, now have a say on the future of their local by the listing of a public house as an asset of community value, which results in an automatic removal of the permitted development rights for its demolition or change of use.”
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