There are fewer and fewer pubs in Britain which are an integral part of its history. Fifty pubs a month closed permanently in England and Wales in the first half of this year, with experts warning that tax increases in 2025 could make it even harder for some businesses to keep their doors open.

Analysis by property information firm Altus found that 305 pubs were forced to close their doors permanently in the first six months of the year, meaning the number of pubs in England and Wales fell to 39,096 at the end of June, according to the Guardian website .

The total number also includes pubs that are empty and offered for rent, meaning that the number of pubs in operation is even lower.

Pubs that have “disappeared” from the communities they once served have either been demolished and/or converted to other types of use such as homes, offices or even daycare centers, according to Altus.

The rate of closures is down from the first half of 2023, when 383 pubs disappeared, equivalent to 64 pubs closing each month.

Alex Probyn, of the Altus Group, said even more pubs could be forced to close their doors next year as they face a “double whammy” of extra costs due to inflation and the removal of business rate relief.

“The last thing pubs need is an average increase in business rates of £12,160 next year through inflationary increases and the loss of the discount.”

A spokesman for the British Beer and Pub Association said: “While we know that breweries and pubs pump billions into the economy, their huge contribution to society is invaluable, which is why any closure is devastating. The Government must use this budget to reduce beer duty, reform business rates and keep the 75% business rate relief so pubs can stay afloat.”

Analysis by Altus found the north west of England recorded the worst results after 46 pubs closed during the half-year. The South West and East Midlands were the regions with the next highest closures, with 37 each, while Wales saw 15 closures.