The number of pubs being demolished or converted for other uses has risen by more than 50%.
In the three months to the end of June, 230 pubs disappeared from communities in England and Wales. In the preceding quarter the figure stood at 153, according to statistics compiled for government by Altus Group.
The 383 demolitions or conversions in the first half of 2023 is also a sharp acceleration. Some 386 pubs suffered the same fate during the whole of 2022.
The overall number of pubs in England and Wales, including vacant ones, now stands at 39,404.
Altus has called on ministers to cut business rates. Pubs currently get a 75% discount on their business rates bills for the 2023-24 tax year, up to a cap of £110,000 per business. However, this is not set to continue in the next tax year.
