Pubs face crisis as closures rise

The UK pub industry is facing a crisis, with eight pubs closing each week due to rising tax and labour costs. In the first half of the year, 209 pubs were either demolished or repurposed, reducing the total number to 38,780. Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, stated: “It’s absolutely heartbreaking… there is a direct link between pubs closing for good and the huge jump in costs they have just endured.” The sector is calling for urgent tax reforms in the upcoming autumn budget to prevent further closures.