UK: Pubs closures drop - figures

Author: just-drinks.com editorial team | 4 February 2010

BBPA sees glass half-full for pubs

The rate of pub closures in the UK has fallen, but the sector remains under intense financial pressure, according to the British Beer & Pub Association.

An average 39 pubs closed closed their doors for good every week in the second six months of 2009, the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) said today (4 February).

The rate is down from a peak of 52 closures per week in the first half of the year, but remains historically high.

"Continuing pub closures, and the 5% decline in pub beer sales we reported last week, confirm that pubs are not out of the woods yet," said BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds.

Pubs that serve food have fared significantly better than so-called 'wet-led' pubs, while more independent free houses folded than pubs tied to companies such as Punch Taverns or Enterprise Inns.

The BBPA said that the cost of Government regulation and "the tax burden" remain key issues.