Overview

• Price Bailey data reveal that 21% of UK pubs are technically insolvent, leaving them highly vulnerable to collapse.
• Accountants recorded 67 pub closures in April, the highest monthly total since July 2024.
• The British Beer and Pub Association estimates that hikes in employer national insurance, business rates, packaging charges, and the National Living Wage have added about £14,000 in costs per pub.
• The average price of a pint is projected to increase by 21p, pushing the national average above £5 for the first time.
• Industry bodies have urged the government to accelerate promised business rates reform and introduce relief for rising labour costs ahead of a pending interim report this summer.