A new study has revealed that independent pubs could completely disappear from the UK by the year 2041. Many pubs across the country are struggling due to increased business rates, soaring business costs, energy prices and changing customer habits. The state of affairs prompted Rachel Reeves to announce a relief package for struggling boozers earlier this year. The situation got so heated that some pubs opted to ban Labour MPs from their venues last year in protest.

A study by Simply Business revealed the UK’s most endangered high street businesses on the latest Office for National Statistics data. The endangered list highlights the independent shops at the greatest risk of disappearing, revealing that the clock is ticking for many of these beloved businesses. “The UK high street is going through a period of intense change,” the report says. “Independent shops and local businesses face mounting pressures from rising costs, shifting consumer habits, and unpredictable economic conditions.”

Independent pubs placed at number three on the most endangered list, with Simply Business reporting that they could disappear from the UK entirely within the next 15 years.

Julie Fisher, UK CEO of Simply Business, said: “As they continue to battle against rising operational costs, independent retailers are set to face another price hike this April as business rates increase. While they continue to show remarkable tenacity in the face of economic challenges, our research reveals the difficult road that lies ahead for some of our favourite shops.

“These are the businesses that give our high streets their character and our communities their identity. Providing insurance for nearly one million small businesses and landlords, we understand the increasing pressure they are under and the support they need if they are to thrive. Without it, our high streets could soon become unrecognisable.”

Accountants Price Bailey’s research showed 8,605 pubs currently operate with negative assets, while 4,800 fall into the highest credit risk category. This indicates that 13% of all British pubs, approximately one in eight, face winding-up petition risk.

It comes after the last three months of 2025 saw 181 pub insolvencies. Emma McClarkin of the British Beer and Pub Association previously said: “With three out of four pubs now seeing a freeze or drop in their business rates bills, the government has put in place support which is much-needed and welcomed.

“However, pubs have historically faced punishing taxes and rates, which is why we’ll be working with the government to establish a long-term plan on permanent business rates reform and reducing regulatory burden so they can remain at the heart of communities.”

According to Simply Business, the high street businesses that are most at risk of going extinct are:

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