NEARLY six pubs were shut every week last year as they were hit by rising business costs.

In total, 289 boozers closed in 2024, resulting in 4,500 job losses.

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The number of English and Welsh pubs fell to 45,345, from 47,613 in 2019.

Industry leaders said closures were avoidable but had been forced by crippling energy bills.

They are calling on ministers to step in when the business rates discount for hospitality businesses is slashed in April.

And with the National Insurance rise and minimum wage boost, the British Beer and Pub Association warned of an additional £650million hit.

The Sun’s Save Our Sups campaign is calling on ministers to throw a lifeline to boozers.

The BBPA’s Emma McClarkin said: “The scale of these closures is completely avoidable because pubs are doing a brisk trade.

“Consumer demand is there, however, profits are being wiped out with sky high bills and pubs are facing yet more rates and costs come April.”

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