More than 34 pubs a month stopped trading in 2024, data finds

The number of pubs that stopped trading permanently across England and Wales rose by 6.7% on 2023 levels, with more than 34 a month calling last orders for the final time in 2024, according to analysis of official government data by Altus Group. 

The commercial real estate adviser found that the overall number of pubs in England and Wales – including those also vacant and being offered to let – has now fallen below 39,000 for the first time to 38,989 in December. 

This means a fall of 412 venues compared with 39,401 at the same point in 2023.   

The City and 32 boroughs of London lost the greatest number of pubs in 2024 with their numbers down 55 to 3,470 in 2024.

It was found that these shuttered pubs have either been demolished and/or converted into homes, offices or even day nurseries, with a total of 2,074 venues being lost for good in just the last five years.

Alex Probyn, global president of property tax at Altus Group, said: “Many publicans that I speak to are extremely worried that this could be their last Christmas given the combination of hiking the amount employers will have to pay in National Insurance, increases to the minimum wage and the business rates discount being slashed from 75% to 40% in 2025.

“Many pubs simply will no longer be viable making plots even more attractive for alternative investment.”

According to the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), pubs will face an additional £71m bill from April after the implementation of the increase in employer NICs from 13.8% to 15%, as well as the reduction in the earnings threshold that they must start paying it from £9,100 to £5k for just those workers under 25.

Altus Group said that the reduction in the level of the business rates discount will cost pubs an extra £215m during 2025/26.