ABOUT six pubs shut down each week last year, leading to roughly 4,500 job losses.

New figures published today by the British Beer and Pub Association show that 289 pubs in England and Wales closed permanently in 2024.

The report comes as businesses grapple with rising borrowing costs and energy bills, while households feel the squeeze from climbing mortgage and rent payments.

According to the trade association, Labour’s Budget will saddle the sector with £650 million in extra costs.

From April, the business rates discount for hospitality, leisure and retail firms will be slashed by 75 per cent to 40 per cent and there will be an increase in minimum wage and National Insurance contributions.

The association urged the government to overhaul the business rates system of property tax to ease the burden on the sector.

Chief executive Emma McClarkin said: “Consumer demand is there. However, profits are being wiped out with sky-high bills and pubs are facing yet more rates and costs come April.

“Government must urgently bring in meaningful business rates reform and phase in new employment costs so pubs can keep boosting the economy, supporting local jobs and remaining at the heart of communities.”