161 Pubs Close in Britain Q1, Up 26% on Year

In the first three months of the year, 161 pubs closed across Britain, an average of two per day and a 26 percent increase from the same period last year, according to figures from the British Beer and Pub Association.

The trade organization attributed the closures to rising taxes, regulatory costs, higher labor expenses from last November's minimum wage increase, and reduced consumer spending. The shutdowns resulted in about 2,400 job losses, with younger workers particularly affected. Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA, said, "The scale of these closures is avoidable because pubs are doing a brisk trade, but their profits are wiped out by a disproportionate tax burden and huge costs. For too many, the sheer weight of taxes and regulatory costs have forced them to shut up shop, which will only hurt communities, workers, and the wider economy."

This quarter's losses follow a broader decline, with 336 pubs closing last year, bringing the total to 44,656. More than 2,000 have shut since the coronavirus pandemic began in 2020. Closures varied by region: Scotland saw the most at 41, followed by the South East with 26 and the North West with 18. Wales was the exception,...