Britain faces a pub closure every day in 2025, industry warns

One pub is expected to close every day in 2025 across Great Britain, threatening more than 5,600 jobs, the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has warned.

The trade body, which represents more than 20,000 pubs, estimated 378 closures this year in England, Wales and Scotland, up from 350 in 2024. It said the projected closures would also hit the supply chain, including farmers, brewers and other industries.

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA, said: “Pubs are trading well but most of the money that goes into the till goes straight back out in bills and taxes. For many it’s impossible to make a profit which all too often leads to pubs turning off the lights for the last time.

“When a pub closes it puts people out of a job, deprives communities of their heart and soul, and hurts the local economy. However, it’s not too late to change this sad state of affairs. We know the government recognises the economic and social value of pubs and we’re not asking for special treatment, we just want the sector’s rich potential unleashed.”

She added: “We’re calling on the government to proceed with meaningful business rates reform, mitigate these eye-watering new employment and extended producer responsibility costs, and cut beer duty.”

The BBPA argued that pubs are among the most highly taxed businesses in the UK, with about one third of every pound spent in a pub going to taxes. It said reducing the tax and regulatory burden would allow more pubs to stay open, protect jobs and maintain community gathering spaces.

According to the association, the beer and pub sector contributes more than £34bn to the economy annually and supports over one million jobs.