‘Whenever a pub closes, it deprives communities of their heart and soul’

Industry body warns that 378 venues will shut for good this year in the UK

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THE equivalent of more than one pub a day is set to close this year across Great Britain, an industry body has warned.

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has estimated that 378 pubs will close this year across England, Wales and Scotland, which it said would amount to more than 5,600 direct job losses.

Now the BBPA has 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, leading to more investment and jobs, while also protecting spaces that, for many communities, 'are the only places left to gather.'