There are fewer and fewer pubs in the UK – more than 500 have filed for bankruptcy in the past year. However, the pandemic is not solely responsible for the death of pubs.
Last orders: According to an analysis, the number of pub bankruptcies in Great Britain rose sharply in 2022. 512 pubs had filed for bankruptcy, the PA news agency quoted from a study by the accounting firm UHY Hacker Young. In 2021 there were 280 pubs.
Many restaurants are struggling with rising energy costs, the reason given. After the pandemic, many pub owners would also have no reserves. In addition, customers stayed away because of the high inflation. The long rail strikes also played a role: fewer commuters came.
UHY expert Peter Kubik spoke of an “extremely worrying situation”. “In addition to the financial consequences for owners and employees, the loss of a pub also has a severe impact on communities,” said Kubik. “After a prolonged period of lost revenue during the pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis has been the final nail in the coffin for many.” He called on the government to provide further help, such as an extension of state energy support.
Pub dying in the UK had started well before the pandemic. Reasons include the smoking ban, cheaper alcohol in the supermarket or changed drinking habits. In addition, landlords complain about the beer taxes, which are among the highest in the world. In 2022, the number of pubs in England and Wales fell below 40,000 for the first time.
Source: Stern
