Overview

• New CEBR analysis commissioned by the British Beer and Pub Association projects more than 2,000 pub closures in England next year, putting about 12,000 jobs at risk.
• The BBPA estimates 230 pubs could shut in the West Midlands alone, with an associated loss of roughly 1,009 jobs.
• The threat is linked to the planned withdrawal of business rates relief and a commercial property revaluation, with pub rates bills forecast to rise by more than 50%.
• The sector argues it pays a disproportionate share of business rates, accounting for 0.4% of UK turnover but 2.1% of the rates burden, which it estimates equals an excess £507 million a year.
• The BBPA says a 20p-in-the-pound rates reduction could save almost 40% of at-risk pubs, preserve about 5,400 jobs, and add nearly £100 million to the economy, alongside calls to cut beer duty, ease employment costs, and review packaging charges.