A THOUSAND pubs face closure as they struggle with higher costs, industry estimates reveal.
Business rates rises, beer duty taxes, employment costs and high energy bills are to blame.
It means around 21 boozers a week could shut their doors for good over the next year.
An enhanced financial package for pubs is imminent from the Treasury as ministers are told 15,000 jobs could be lost.
It was reported last night that the sector will be handed around £300million a year of new support.
An announcement is expected as early as today, according to The Times.
The industry warning came as The Revel Collective, — which runs venues under the Revolucion de Cuba and Peach Pubs brands — filed a notice to appoint administrators.
Emma McClarkin, boss of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “Beer and pubs help keep a million people in jobs, generate £18billion in tax and are the only place for communities to gather under one roof.
“The scale of potential closures and the consequences would be devastating.
“Many pubs are struggling with disproportionately high rates and taxes that wipe out their profits. That is why we really welcome the Government looking at support measures.”
The sector says the closures could happen in the 12 months after last November’s Budget.
The wider hospitality industry — including hotels and restaurants — is demanding support be extended beyond pubs.
There were 98,914 licensed premises open at the end of December — 382 fewer than in September, according to the Hospitality Market Monitor.
