The number of pubs being demolished or converted for other uses has risen by more than 50%, according to figures from commercial real estate specialist Altus Group.
230 pubs disappeared from communities in England and Wales in the three months to 30 June, up from 153 the previous quarter.
The overall number of pubs in England and Wales, including vacant ones, now stands at 39,404.
The total of 383 in the first half of 2023 is a sharp acceleration compared to last year, when a total of 386 pubs were demolished or converted over the year.
Pubs are being converted to housing, offices, and nurseries among other uses.
Altus Group’s president of property tax, Alex Probyn, called on Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to cut business rates for the sector in his upcoming autumn statement in November.
Businesses face an inflation-linked increase in April 2024, which is expected to add more than 6% to bills next year.
Pubs currently receive a 75% discount on business rates for the 2023-24 tax year, up to a cap of £110,000 per business. This is not set to continue in the next tax year.
Probyn said: “With energy costs up 80 per cent year-on-year in a low-growth, high-inflation and high-interest-rates environment, the last thing pubs need is an average business rates hike of £12,385 next year.”
The news follows that of the burning down of The Crooked House pub near Wolverhampton, which had been earmarked for closure and conversion.
The 18th century pub was sold by Marston’s to a private buyer for alternative use.
