‘Save Our Pubs’: Dorset landlords issue last-minute plea ahead of Chancellor’s budget
There are fears “a new wave of closures” could be coming to Dorset pubs without immediate action from the Government
Pubs say they’re at breaking point and landlords across Dorset are calling on the Chancellor to ‘save the industry’ in her upcoming budget.
With backing from The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) and landlords are demanding the Chancellor reforms business rates and cuts the tax burden on Britain’s beloved pubs.
Richard Gabe from Dorset’s Campaign For Real Ale told us the struggles many are facing: “Constant increase on alcohol duty, utility prices, business rates with no relief and a minimum wage going up means we’ve lost around 25% pubs since the year 2000 and if assistance is not provided, I can see a new wave of pub closures.”
The call comes as new BBPA polling shows pub closures are leaving people lonelier and more disconnected from their communities.
More than half of Brits fear losing their local, while one in three link closures directly to increased loneliness.
The findings underline the role pubs play in tackling isolation. More than half of Gen Zs see pubs as vital in tackling loneliness and isolation, rising to 68% for those over 65s.
However, the cost-of-living crisis is taking its toll, with many opting to have a cheap night-in than spend big at the pub.
Mr Gabe says supermarket prices are preventing landlords from making a steady income as pubs can’t compete with their prices.
He told us: "As long as supermarkets are allowed to offer ridiculously low promotional prices and governments keep tax and business rates high for pubs it will always be a one-sided challenge. This is the reasons so many publicans are forced to leave or sell their pubs."
The worrying aspect is that the hospitality sector is a significant employer across the country.
BBPA figures show nearly 300 pubs closed in 2024, costing over 4,500 jobs, and one pub is set to close every day in 2025, the equivalent of nearly 5,600 jobs.
The organisation’s CEO Emma McClarkin is calling on the Chancellor to use the Budget to help Britain’s struggling pubs or accept responsibility for further closures and job losses.