Overview
- The British Beer and Pub Association recorded 295 permanent pub closures from January to the end of September and projects about 360 closures by year‑end, a pace that averages roughly one pub per day.
- The BBPA estimates the projected closures put around 5,000 jobs at risk, with more than half of those roles currently held by people under 25.
- Regional data show England accounted for 226 closures, Scotland 64 and Wales five, with the South East and North West of England among the hardest hit.
- Operators and the BBPA blame a high tax and regulatory burden, rising employment costs and wider cost pressures, noting the 2025 Budget added about £322m in costs for pubs and brewers.
- The government has offered a 15% business rates discount this year, a pledged 20% cut next year and a review of pub valuations, but industry groups say those measures do not remove other taxes and costs and are urging further targeted relief such as a beer duty freeze, more draught relief and a review of under‑25 employment costs.