"Pubs would probably prefer to have the choice as to their hours but due to economic pressures, often stemming from high taxes and costs, the pub industry as a whole has tended to reduce hours or close permanently in recent years, he said. Figures released earlier this year showed that the long-term decline in British pubs has continued, with closures coming at a rate of one a day in 2025."
"In reality, the ground-level crisis facing pubs and hospitality boils down to a toxic combination of the ever-rising costs involved in running a hospitality business and reduced customer spend amid the cost of living crisis, said Paul Crossman, the chair of the Campaign for Pubs and landlord of three pubs in York. That is why in reality most pubs have already curtailed their opening hours, while nightclubs have closed in droves."
Government proposals aim to loosen licensing rules to allow later hours, outdoor food service and live music. Industry bodies and some executives welcomed the plan as cutting red tape. Landlords and pub company bosses warned the measures will have minimal impact given larger pressures on the sector. Economic pressures from high taxes and rising operating costs, combined with reduced customer spending during the cost-of-living crisis, have driven many pubs to reduce hours or close permanently. The decline continues, with closures averaging one a day in 2025, prompting calls for more targeted financial support.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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