Last orders at 8: Pubs forced to cut opening hours as costs rocket.
UK publicans are cutting their operational hours, stopping food service, or closing on slow days to battle rising energy bills and living costs. According to a poll by the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), 32% of members have reduced their hours due to high costs. The BBPA warned that increased costs combined with customer belt-tightening could lead to further pub closures, after 509 pubs closed in 2023 alone. The UK government claims it has extended support measures to the hospitality sector, including discounted business rates and a freeze on alcohol duty.
