"Overcame COVID-19, but English Pubs Disappear Due to Inflation"

Pubs, the 'Sanctuary' for Britons, Close Due to Inflation Pressure
Experts Say "Massive Loss to Local Communities... Support Needed"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] Pubs, which serve as a 'sanctuary' for Britons, have decreased to an all-time low due to the impact of inflation, Bloomberg reported on the 4th (local time). It is explained that following the COVID-19 pandemic and soaring prices, they could no longer sustain operations.

According to real estate consulting firm Altus Group, as of June, there were 39,970 pubs operating in England and Wales. This is a decrease of more than 7,000 compared to 2012, ten years ago. The pubs that disappeared were either demolished or converted for other uses such as houses or offices.

Pubs, short for 'Public House,' are places akin to a 'sanctuary' for Britons. Most pubs are concentrated in England and Wales, selling alcohol and beverages, naturally becoming gathering spots for Britons on their way home from work. In particular, pubs are regarded as a cultural hub and a place for human relationships within local communities.

Altus Group analyzed that pubs, having barely overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, are now facing record inflation and an energy crisis, leading to consecutive closures. From the end of 2021 to the end of June this year, more than 200 pubs closed in England and Wales alone.

Robert Hayton, UK head of Altus Group, explained, "Pubs showed remarkable resilience during the pandemic, but now they face an operational crisis due to soaring energy costs, inflationary pressures, and tax increases."

This difficulty is not limited to the pub industry alone. According to local beer and pub associations, only 37% of hospitality businesses in the UK are currently profitable.

Emma McClarkin, CEO of the association, emphasized, "Forced pub closures cause massive losses to local communities," adding, "This figure shows the shocking situation of how pubs are disappearing in towns and cities." She further explained, "Support is needed to solve this problem; otherwise, there is a risk of losing more pubs every year."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.