Soaring costs mean one pub a day will close this year as 5,600 jobs at risk
The knock-on effect to the supply chain including brewers and farmers could see 5,600 jobs lost in all, it is feared.
The British Beer and Pub Association has called for a business rates cut for pubs to try to mitigate the damage.
It comes after The Sun's Save Our Sups campaign demanded an overhaul — pubs got 75 per cent relief during Covid but this was reduced to 40 per cent this year — as well as a cut to beer duty.
They also face new employment costs, an increase in employers National Insurance and a new EPR packaging tax.
BBPA boss Emma McClarkin said: 'Pubs are trading well.
"But most of the money that goes into the till goes straight back out in bills and taxes.
'For many it's impossible to make a profit, which all too often leads to pubs turning off the lights for the last time.'
The Treasury insisted the Government was 'pro-business' and backed boozers.
It said pubs were getting business rates relief and a 1p cut to alcohol duty.
'One of my favourite pubs' cry locals as popular bar closes doors permanently after 40 years in business in 'end of era'
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