James May has sparked debate by suggesting that the rising number of pub closures in the UK is down to their quality, rather than external factors such as tax hikes or labour costs. The former Top Gear host, who co-owns the Royal Oak in Swallowcliffe, Wiltshire, shared his views after recent figures revealed that around two pubs closed each day in the first three months of this year.
May's Controversial Take on Pub Closures
Speaking out after Prince William visited the Prince of Peckham in London to show support for the industry, May, 63, said: "I get very conflicted about all the 'save the pub' stuff that goes on. It's great Prince William says he likes pubs, that's got to help but the honest truth is, if things need protecting, they're not doing themselves any favours."
He added: "Pubs are not actually institutions, they're not historical monuments or any of that stuff, they are essentially businesses first and foremost but beyond that, they're places to have to work. The pub will be saved by the pub, nothing else. It would be nice if we could have lower rates and lower duties and so on but that's not really the issue. The issue is the quality of the pub themselves."
Industry Blames Tax Hikes and Rising Costs
Recent data showed that 161 pubs closed their doors for good this year, resulting in around 2,400 job losses. That marks a 26% jump compared to the same period last year. The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) blamed tax hikes and rising labour costs, including the increase to the minimum wage. Chancellor Rachel Reeves had been warned that measures in her November budget would force more pubs to serve last orders. Months later, she announced business rates support to help them cope.
However, May argued that his own pub had become "quite successful in recent months", adding that the answer was "pretty simple". He explained: "It's cheerful staff, a nice range of drinks, decent food, clean lavatories, somewhere to park the car in the case of the countryside, it's a fairly simple formula."
May's comments highlight a divide between industry leaders, who point to economic pressures, and some publicans who believe the focus should be on improving the customer experience. As the debate continues, many pubs are striving to adapt to changing consumer demands while grappling with rising costs.
