# Nine pubs closing for every one opening as industry ravaged by soaring taxes and energy costs

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/nine-pubs-closing-for-every-one-opening-as-industry-ravaged-by-soaring-taxes-and-energy-costs/
- Published: 2026-11-15T14:45:04+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-15T16:28:00+00:00
- Original publisher: GB News (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.gbnews.com/news/pubs-nine-close-for-every-one-opening
- Topics: Government, Politics, UK, World

## Key points

- 543 pub conversion or demolition applications were recorded in a year.
- Only 63 proposals sought to open new pubs.
- Government relief measures offer potential savings for pubs.

## Summary

Planning records show 543 applications to demolish or repurpose pubs in Britain in the year to September, compared with 63 proposals to open new ones. The figures highlight pressure on the pub trade from rising taxes and energy costs, as well as redevelopment, and come amid government measures intended to support the sector.

Over the past decade, Wiltshire recorded 87 closure applications and two proposals for new pubs; Bradford had 118 and five, while Manchester had 65 and three. Recent examples include approval to convert Boston’s 242-year-old Robin Hood Inn into three homes and a proposal to turn the Gull Inn near Norwich into a dwelling. The government says business rates changes could save the average pub about £1,100 a year, while revised packaging waste fees could provide up to £870 per pub annually.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.