Exclusive:
The Mirror is demanding a government war chest to fight thousands of our struggling boozers across the country and stop vital hubs of the community from closing forever
The Mirror is calling on the government to back Britain’s pubs, amid warnings that hundreds more locals will close for good this year.
We are demanding the setting-up of a fighting fund that struggling boozers can tap into. And we want proper recognition for pubs that are the heart of our communities, giving everything from a warm place for people and groups to meet, to tackling loneliness and raising money.
A fighting fund could offer vital grants to struggling publicans, and well as providing a boost to those wanting to invest in their local. Plus, there should be more support for community groups wanting to buy their at-risk local. Our plea for action comes at a critical time, with pubs in the eye of the storm after years of rocketing costs – and more set to hit.
And while all pubs are impacted, it has been independent locals that are battling the most. A recent report found more than 400 pubs closed for good last year, either converted into other uses or demolished.
That does not even include the countless hundreds more that close and are left empty in an often fruitless attempt to find a new tenant. The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) previously warned of 1,200 closures last year.
And another report, this time industry experts CGA by NIQ and AlixPartners, found 3,000 pubs, bars, restaurants and clubs risk closing in 2025. All the while, it means neglected and often boarded-up buildings blighting town and city centres, or depriving rural communities or a place to gather over a pint.
Ash Corbett-Collins, chairman of CAMRA, said: “Pubs, social clubs and taprooms are a welcoming and safe place to meet with friends and family feel part of a community.
“From music gigs, quizzes, coffee mornings, charity fundraisers and so much more, pubs bring people together, and of course do their bit to tackle loneliness and social isolation.
“Pubs are still fighting an uphill battle on the costs of goods and inflated energy bills, and many are at risk of shutting for good at any minute. Communities will lose their locals for good unless something happens soon.”
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of trade body the British Beer and Pub Association said: “2025 looks set to be even tougher for pubs and brewers across the UK. “Unless the sector is supported, hundreds of pubs may have to close their doors for good this year.”
She went on: “Pub closures are devastating for the local economy, local jobs, and all communities who rely on them as a home from home. We know that it’s not down to a lack of popularity that pubs are closing but the shocking cost of doing business which means they struggle to make a profit, with the average pub making just 12p a pint.”
The Mirror is urging ministers to support landlords facing spiralling costs that threaten their future, having been left punch-drunk after the energy crisis, then Covid.
And the reality is that the Tories lumbered Labour with a £22billion hangover that left little no room for tax cuts for pubs, and anyone else.
The number of pubs has slumped over recent decades, driven by rising costs, changing consumer habits – including the smoking ban – and competition from supermarkets selling cheaper drinkers for having at home.
Allen Simpson, deputy chief executive at trade body UKHospitality, said: “Pubs are struggling at the moment – like hospitality overall, where the number of venues fell below 100,000 last year. The double punch of business rate rises and employment taxes going up from April will only make things harder”.
If you are a publican and want to tell us how you are getting along then email [email protected]