Whilst down 13.1% on 2021 levels, the figures show that more than 32 pubs a month called last orders for the final time last year. The overall number of pubs in England and Wales, including those vacant and being offered to let, fell to 39,787 in December 2022, down 386 compared with 40,173 at the same point in 2021.
“Whilst these figures are upsetting, they are unfortunately not surprising,” says Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association.
“Pubs and brewers are facing extreme challenges, they are doing whatever they can to keep going.”
Like much of the sector, pubs are grappling with soaring energy costs, rising food prices and weakened consumer demand with most pubs now taking drastic action to try and stay afloat and conserve cash by either reducing opening hours or going into hibernation through temporary closures.
“Pubs want to stay open and provide a warm and welcoming space for their communities this winter, but urgently need clarity on whether the energy bill relief scheme will be extended, and that suppliers to be held accountable on hidden costs,” continues McClarkin.
“With rocketing energy costs, soaring inflation, severe labour shortages and plummeting consumer confidence, pubs are being pushed to breaking point we need intervention as soon as possible, otherwise many more will be forced to close, and we'll lose them from the heart of villages, towns and cities across the UK forever.”
Wales lost the greatest number of pubs in 2022 with its numbers down 50 to 3,010, whist the West Midlands saw its numbers decline by 46 to 3,933.
