Pubs across Peterborough, Stamford and Rutland worried about closing due to financial struggles
More than 50 pubs a month on average were lost in England and Wales during the first half of 2024
Pubs in Peterborough say they are 'an important part of the community' as more than 50 pubs a month on average were lost in England and Wales during the first half of this year.
The industry are urging for reforms to business rates as a means of tackling the issue.
They currently have a 75% discount on the tax, but this is set to end in March 2025.
Real estate intelligence firm Altus Group said the overall number of pubs, including those which were vacant or being offered to let, fell to 39,096 at the end of June.
The figure is down 305 versus the end of 2023, with the pubs either having closed down, been demolished or turned into something else.
We still face the challenge of the rising cost of heating., especially in the winter
Some pubs have been converted into other types of use such as homes, offices or even day nurseries.
Gwyn Roberts, land lady of the Palmerston Arms pub in Peterborough, said:
"We still face the challenge of the rising cost of heating., especially in the winter."
"It's an old building so it does get quite cold in the winter and there's the rising cost of beer."
"To be able to stay competitive means we are running on very, very minimal profit margins."
"Cut some of the taxes on spirits, ales and everything else that we buy."
"Give us some help with the heating in the winter. Anything the government can do to help with the overall costs of running a pub would be brilliant."
A total of 472 pubs called last orders for the final time during the whole of the financial year
"It's just about trying to get people to come back out and socialise with each other in a nice environment."
"Why would you sit at home on your own when you can come and be with your friends."
A total of 472 pubs called last orders for the final time during the whole of the financial year from April 1 2023 to March 31 2024.
Pubs currently make an average of 12p profit on every pint of beer once taxes and costs have been deducted.
A spokesperson for the British Beer and Pub Association said:
"While we know that brewers and pubs pour billions into the economy, their massive contribution to society is priceless which is why any closure is devastating."
"Government must use this Budget to cut beer duty, reform business rates, and maintain 75% business rates relief so that pubs can remain a home from home."