Why could the Great British pub be in danger of closing?

What makes a Great British pub?

Transcript

00:00Earlier this year, research from Capital ONTAP revealed that nearly half of the country's

00:06pubs, bars and nightclubs could shut down permanently by 2030. The study also identified

00:12specific regions across the UK expected to be hit the hardest by these closures. More

00:18than 3 million people working in the hospitality sector could be affected by a steep decline

00:23in the UK's nightlife industry, according to this study. The industry is already under

00:28pressure as many venues struggle to cover rising costs and manage increasing financial

00:34strain, some facing the real risk of closing for good. Capital ONTAP warned that the worst

00:41is yet to come, with long-term projections painting a bleak picture for the future of nightlife.

00:48The ongoing shift in social habits since the COVID-19 pandemic continues to play a role,

00:54experts also point to the cost-of-living crisis and a cultural move away from alcohol-focused

00:59nights out, as more young people opt for sober, social experiences instead.

01:06As I mentioned, the cost of just running a business these days is incredibly high. Utility

01:12bills are still incredibly high for many businesses, particularly the hospitality trade. They've got

01:17so many other costs going on. And then they're being hit from the other side in that consumers

01:21just have fewer pounds in their pocket to spend on discretionary funds, such as going to the pub.

01:27So it's really important that we find a balance between keeping the pub affordable, but also

01:32ensuring that publicans and breweries are able to make a living out of this industry.

01:39Back in July, the British Beer and Pub Association reported that one pub is expected to close every

01:45day in 2025 across Great Britain. That's according to new figures from the association, which represents

01:53more than 20,000 venues nationwide. The trade group estimates that 378 pubs across England, Scotland

02:00and Wales will shut down this year, a decline that could cost more than 5,600 jobs directly.

02:07The association is calling on the government to act. At the moment, government intervention for the

02:13hospitality sector includes lower multipliers for retail, hospitality and leisure properties from

02:202026 to 2027, as well as the draft relief on alcohol duty.