Britain is losing an average of one pub per day, according to figures released by the British Beer and Pub Association, which blames escalating tax burdens and rising operational costs for the wave of closures sweeping the country.
Between January and September this year, 295 pubs shut their doors permanently, according to Bankier.pl, which cited industry data. England saw 226 closures, with the highest rates recorded in the south-east and north-west. Scotland lost 64 pubs and Wales five. The association projects a further 200 closures by the end of the year if current trends continue.
The hospitality sector estimates the closures will cost around 5,000 jobs, with more than half of those positions held by people under 25.
Treasury loses £200,000 per closure, industry warns
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said the impact of each closure extends far beyond the venue itself. “When a local pub closes, the damage is felt on a wide scale,” she said. “Not only do workers, communities, our heritage and high streets lose out when a pub closes – the Treasury loses an average of £200,000 in tax revenue every time a venue calls last orders.”
McClarkin called on the government to take urgent action, proposing a fairer and more sustainable tax structure, an increase in draught beer duty relief, and a review of employment costs for workers under 25.
Pub owners point the finger at the Labour government, although Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has pledged to cut business rates on commercial properties by 20 per cent. Those changes, however, are not due to take effect until next year.
Tax ‘bomb’ and £10 pints push customers away
Publicans say they are still reeling from what they describe as a tax “bomb” delivered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in the 2025 budget, which added £322 million in costs to the pub and brewing sectors. The increase has forced operators to raise prices and cut staff.
In London, the price of half a pint has now crossed the psychological threshold of £10, a barrier that industry insiders fear is driving customers away. Combined with rising labour costs and dwindling footfall, many landlords say their businesses are no longer viable.
Further anxiety surrounds next year’s budget discussions, with pub owners fearing additional financial burdens that could accelerate the closure rate.
What this means for Poles in the UK
The pub closures are hitting employment hard, particularly among younger workers and those in hospitality roles often filled by EU nationals and migrants, including many Poles. With 5,000 jobs at risk by the end of the year, workers in the sector – especially bartenders, kitchen staff and pub managers – should be aware that job security may be weakening in this industry.
If you work in a pub or are looking for hospitality work, it may be worth diversifying your skills or exploring roles in other sectors less affected by the current pressures. Those under 25 are especially vulnerable, as they make up more than half the expected job losses.
For Polish-run or Polish-frequented pubs, rising costs and falling customer numbers may mean price increases or reduced opening hours. If you own or manage a hospitality business, keep an eye on proposed changes to business rates and employment costs – official guidance will be published by HMRC and the Department for Business and Trade as budget measures are finalised.
Anyone made redundant should register immediately with Jobcentre Plus and check eligibility for Universal Credit and other support. Further information is available on GOV.UK.
