Pub numbers have fallen to lowest in this decade

In England and Wales, the number of pubs is falling and hitting its lowest level on record within this decade, says the new research.

Over a decade, thousands of pubs have closed as supermarkets sell cheaper alcohol, younger people drink less, and the industry complains of being heavily taxed. It declined more during the pandemic, as lockdowns forced pubs to implement strict social distancing rules or to shut down. Now with the rising inflation, Pubs are unable to gain profits.

According to Altus, a real estate consultancy group, around 400 pubs were shut last year in England and Wales, and some 200 closed in the first half of 2022 with the rising inflation. Since the Altus record began in 2005, the total number of pubs has been the lowest. According to the study, the West Midlands saw the highest number of pub closures in the first six months of 2022, with 28 shutting. It was followed by the East of England and London, losing 24.

According to research from the British Institute of Innkeeping, and UK Hospitality, only 37% of hospitality businesses are turning a profit currently. The survey said the rising costs of goods, labor, and energy are prime reasons for the loss of hospitality business. The government said it could not control inflation as it is a global factor but continued to support the hospitality sector.