Across England, Scotland and Wales, local pubs are shutting their doors at alarming rates, an industry body has warned.
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has estimated that 378 pubs will close this year, putting 5,600 jobs in danger.
Pubs are trading well, they found, but most of the money made goes straight back out on bills and taxes.
BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin is urging the government to change business rates in the sector to help more pubs keep their doors open.
Reducing the cumulative tax and regulatory burden would lead to more investment and jobs while also protecting spaces that, for many communities, are the only places left to gather, they say.
Sign up for all of the latest stories
Start your day informed with Metro’s News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens.
BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin said: ‘When a pub closes, it puts people out of a job, deprives communities of their heart and soul, and hurts the local economy.’
‘However, it’s not too late to change this sad state of affairs. We know the Government recognises the economic and social value of pubs, and we’re not asking for special treatment; we just want the sector’s rich potential unleashed.’
The BBPA is asking the government to cut beer duty as well in a bid to help local pubs survive.
Pub closures also have a further impact on those who are part of the supply chain, including farmers, brewers and other industries.
The organisation warned earlier this year that the average price of a pint of beer would surge past £5 for the first time because of the cost hikes hitting the sector.
It said the average cost of a pint in the UK was expected to rise by about 21p as a result of pubs being forced to pass some cost inflation onto customers.
The Labour Government has said it plans to reform the current business rates system, and in March said it will publish an interim report on this during the summer.
Last year, research found that if the number of pubs closing in Britain continues at the current rate, there will be fewer than 1,000 by 2070.
Chief Executive of UK Hospitality, Kate Nicholls, told the BBC in 2022: ‘The number of pub closures is truly shocking but will come as no surprise to many in the industry.
‘We need the government to take urgent steps to remove barriers to growth, help tackle the cost crisis we’re facing and support more people into work and training.’
In 2023 alone, 769 pub businesses became insolvent, up from the 518 that closed for good in 2022.
Experts believe that making a visit to the pub revolves around more than just a pint could help businesses stay afloat.
Offering pop-up food events, partnering with local vendors, and hosting craft beer nights are some of the suggestions put forward.
Pubs are also being advised to embrace local culture by hosting musicians, art shows and creative events to increase footfall.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.