LONDON (Reuters) – The number of pubs in operation in England and Wales has fallen to its lowest level on record, according to a study published on Monday, as rising energy costs, combined with a shortage of workers, threatens the future of this British institution.
There were 39,973 English and Welsh pubs in operation at the end of June, down 200 from the end of last year, property consultancy Altus Group said, citing an analysis of data from British tax authorities dating back to 2005.
“While pubs have weathered the pandemic remarkably well, they are now facing new headwinds and having to deal with the cost crisis of doing business, namely soaring energy costs, pressures inflation and tax hikes,” said Robert Hayton, Chairman of Altus Group UK.
In May, British pub operators Mitchells & Butlers and Marston’s warned that spending related to the Russia-Ukraine war and the cost of living crisis would squeeze their profits.
Although Britain’s national identity is closely linked to its “public houses”, their numbers are in long-term decline due to a range of factors, including changing consumer habits.
Many pubs are also struggling to compete with lower alcohol prices in supermarkets.
According to Altus Group, around 7,100 pubs have disappeared over the past decade and many of them have been demolished or turned into accommodation or offices.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Association of Beers and Pubs, said by email that the figures painted a “devastating picture”.
“It’s essential that we receive help to alleviate these pressures, otherwise we really risk losing more pubs year on year,” she said.
(Reportage Sachin Ravikumar, French version Augustin Turpin, edited by Kate Entringer)