305 pubs were forced to close in the first six months of the year, according to analysis from property intelligence company Altus. The analysis showed that number of pubs in England and Wales fell to 39,096 at the end of June with industry experts warning that tax rises in 2025 could result in further closures across the industry. The data additionally highlighted how the total figure also included pubs that currently stood vacant and were being offered to let, which meant that the number of operational pubs was in fact even lower. Altus outlined how pubs that once served communities have either been demolished and/or converted into homes and offices. In the first half of 2023, 383 pubs also closed, the equivalent to 64 pubs closing every month, showing that the situation is dire. Altus Group president of property tax Alex Probyn told national press that more pubs could be forced to close next year due to extra costs linked to inflation and the removal of business rates relief. Between 2020 and 2022, in response to the pandemic, hospitality businesses were given 100% business rates relief by the government, however this was then cut to 75% and will be removed from next April. UKHospitality has estimated that the move could cost businesses a further £928m and lead to bills for many publicans quadrupling. Probyn explained: “The last thing pubs need is an average business rates hike of £12,160 next year through inflationary rises and the loss of the discount.” According
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