The Euros and Olympics will bring a boost to many landlords, but it may be too late for some pubs.
According to an analysis of official statistics by Altus Group, pubs have been disappearing in England and Wales at a rate 80 per month so far this season. Monthly pub closures have increased by 56pc since last year.
The analysis counts the number of buildings that have either been demolished or repurposed, including those that were vacant or for rent before they disappeared.
The findings indicate that the number of pubs in the country is declining. Altus reports that nearly 240 pubs have been closed, demolished, or turned into offices, homes or businesses this year.
The North West and Wales have seen the greatest decline in pubs over the last year, . Each area has lost 70.
Alex Probyn, from Altus Group, blamed the burden of business rates on the rapid closures. This tax is based on a company’s value and does not change with profits.
The cost of living crisis has led to a decline in pub patronage.
Mr Probyn stated: “It’s a tax which has increased by 49pc in the last 14years, with businesses, across all sectors now paying £9.48bn more a year than they did in 2010.
Before the elections, 80 of the UK’s largest pub and brewery groups sent an open message to Ed Davey, Rishi Sunak, and Sir Keir starmer demanding that political leaders do more for the sector.
The industry is calling for a reduction in beer duty immediately to bring it into line with the European standard and reforming business rates.
The Conservatives have pledged that the duty on draught beer in pubs would remain lower than that on drinks sold at supermarkets.
The party also promised to review the nighttime economy in England in order to find ways to reverse the decline of pubs and clubs. The party has also promised to ease business rates in the future.
Labour said that it would restructure the business rate system in order to raise the same amount of revenue but do so more fairly and on a level playing field for both high street businesses and online ones.
Mr Probyn stated: “While the pledges were welcome, businesses had hoped to see more details and a timeline in order to achieve this.”
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