Last orders! A pub a day is set to close this year

LANDLORDS are calling time for good at more than one pub a day because of a rising burden of tax and red tape, an industry body warns.

- By Josie Clarke

The British Beer and Pub Association estimates 378 venues will close this year, with 5,600 job losses.

It urged the Government to reform business rates for the sector.

The trade association said reducing the cumulative tax and regulatory burden would help more pubs stay open. That would lead to more investment and jobs while protecting spaces that, for many communities, “are the only places left to gather”.

BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin said: “Pubs are trading well but most of the money that goes into the till goes straight back out in bills and taxes. For many it’s impossible to make a profit which all too often leads to pubs turning off the lights for the last time.