ALMOST half of Welsh voters blame national or local government when a pub closes, new research has found.

Polling carried out for the Long Live the Local campaign by More in Common found that 48% of people in Wales hold government policy partly responsible when a local pub shuts its doors.

Campaigners say the findings should act as a warning to politicians ahead of the Senedd election, with voters calling for greater support for pubs and brewers.

The survey found that almost one-third of Welsh voters, 32%, believe the single most important action government could take to help the sector would be to make business rates fairer for pubs.

The figures also suggest voters feel their elected representatives are not doing enough. Only one-in-ten said their MP had spoken up for the pub sector, while just 6% said their MP had done enough to protect pubs in their constituency.

The results come despite recent support for pubs from the UK Government, with campaigners warning that many voters still believe not enough is being done to protect Britain’s locals.

According to figures from the British Beer and Pub Association, one pub a day is currently closing in England and Wales, while the UK has lost 2,000 pubs since 2020.

Industry leaders say pubs are under pressure from a combination of business rates, employment costs, energy bills, beer duty, VAT and wider inflation. However, ministers have previously pointed to support measures for hospitality businesses, including rates relief and changes announced in the Budget, while arguing that difficult decisions must be balanced against wider public spending pressures.

Changing consumer habits, the cost-of-living crisis, and the long-term impact of the pandemic have also affected many pubs, particularly in rural and town-centre communities where footfall has not fully recovered.

‘Soul of the community’

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the Welsh Beer and Pub Association, said: “Despite recent important support from the Government and the many MPs across all political parties that champion pubs and brewers, voters clearly believe that there is still more to be done.

“Pubs are the soul of the community, create jobs, and, with a quarter of a million people joining our Long Live the Local campaign that supports the people behind the pint, including thousands in Wales, it’s no wonder people care about them so much.

“What the public want is a fair tax system for pubs, one that keeps businesses competitive and recognises their unique role as valuable spaces for communities across the country.

“With the Senedd election right around the corner, it’s key for candidates to recognise just how important pubs are for so many and to back their local.

“We’re calling on both the UK and Welsh governments to continue to work with us and deliver permanent business rates reform, lower employment costs, cut beer duty and VAT to save countless locals who are burdened with huge regulatory costs.”

‘Public really care’

Luke Tryl, executive director at More in Common, said the polling showed the strength of public concern over pub closures.

He said: “One thing comes through really strongly in this polling, the British public really care about pubs, they think they are a central part of their community and they don’t think the Government is doing enough to protect them.

“In fact, over half of British voters blame national or local government for pub closures and want to see politicians at all levels doing more to stand up for them.

“At a time when the Government already finds itself struggling with a restless electorate, a wave of further pub closures will only reinforce the frustration that those in charge are unable or unwilling to deliver for local communities across Britain.

“On the flipside, taking action on issues like rates is one way the Government can show that it gets it, recognises the value of pubs and gets the public back onside.”

The Welsh Beer and Pub Association’s Long Live the Local campaign launched in 2018 to raise awareness of the UK’s rate of pub closures. It now has more than 250,000 supporters across the country.

The campaign says almost 40,000 letters were sent to MPs last year alone as part of efforts to raise concerns about the pressure facing pubs.

More in Common’s polling, commissioned by the British Beer and Pub Association, was conducted between March 28 and March 30, 2026, and sampled 2,003 adults across Great Britain. Respondents were weighted according to age, sex, region, ethnicity, 2024 General Election vote and education level.

PEOPLE VISITING THE COAST ARE BEING URGED TO CHECK TIDE TIMES AS SPRING TIDES ARE EXPECTED OVER THE MAY BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND

THE RNLI has issued a tidal safety warning ahead of the bank holiday weekend following an increase in people being cut off by the tide.

The charity is urging anyone planning coastal walks or beach visits over the next few days to be cautious, check tide times before setting out, and make sure they have a way of calling for help.

The warning comes after RNLI crews rescued a man at Rhossili, on Gower, Swansea, on Saturday morning after he was cut off by the incoming tide at Worms Head.

Both Horton and Port Eynon RNLI lifeboat stations responded to the incident and the man was safely brought back to Rhossili.

Chris Cousens, RNLI Regional Water Safety Lead, said: “With the May bank holiday a prime opportunity for coastal walks, it’s important to be safe.

“Tide times and heights vary throughout the month, and the incoming tide can easily leave people stranded, requiring assistance.

“There will be spring tides over this coming weekend, meaning a greater difference between low and high tide. At high tide, the water comes in further and can move faster than on smaller tides.

“On bigger tides, places will be cut off by the tide more quickly than normal and places usually unaffected by the tide may also be cut off.

“If you find yourself, or see anyone else in difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

Tirion Dowsett, Water Safety Delivery Support, said anyone visiting the coast should check tide times before travelling.

She said: “If you are planning on visiting the coast over the next few days, check the tide times before you go.

“If you can’t understand the information on tide tables, ask people who know the area and pay attention to any safety signs.

“Always carry a means of calling for help, like a fully charged mobile phone.

“If you do get into difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

The RNLI is also reminding people of its Float to Live advice for anyone who gets into difficulty in the water.

Anyone struggling in the water should tilt their head back with their ears submerged, relax, and float on their back with their arms and legs spread out like a starfish.

Once breathing is under control, they should signal for help by shouting and waving.

DERELICT SITE CONCERNS

COUNCILLORS have called for urgent action to make safe and clear the site of a derelict Haverfordwest building destroyed in a suspected arson attack.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed on Wednesday (Apr 29) that officers are investigating an arson at Snowdrop Lane, which happened at around 11:30pm on Monday (Apr 27).

A two-storey derelict property was destroyed in the blaze, with police now appealing for information, Ring doorbell footage, or CCTV which could assist their investigation.

Fire crews were called to the scene late on Monday night, with residents in the area advised to stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed as smoke spread from the burning building.

County Councillor for the Priory Ward, Cllr David Bryan, said he hoped the site would be dealt with more quickly than a previous fire-damaged property in the area.

“I hope it doesn’t continue to be an eyesore like the other one was,” he said.

“That took a few years to put right and to clear. I hope it doesn’t take as long this time, nowhere near as long.

“It took so long for that to be cleared and put in a respectable state. It has an impact on property values.

“I hope it will be cleared as soon as possible once the insurance has been sorted out and that it doesn’t impact on house prices around it.”

Cllr Bryan added that he had been in touch with constituents living nearby, who said they had not been directly affected by the fire as the smoke had blown towards Merlins Bridge.

However, he urged anyone in the area who had been affected, or who had concerns, to get in touch.

Town councillor for the Priory Ward, Cllr Adam Benson Davies, also encouraged residents to contact him if they had any worries following the incident.

“If local residents or anyone has concerns, feel free to contact me and I can discuss it with them either in person or over the phone,” he said.

Cllr Benson Davies said the future of the building could not be determined until the police and fire investigations had been completed.

“We need to wait until the investigation concludes before we state what can be done with the buildings,” he said.

“If it is unsafe then it needs to be demolished, but I don’t know if it is unsafe. I am not a structural engineer.

“We need to look at the ownership of these buildings and ensure that they are safe, secure and do not present a risk to the general public.”

Cllr Benson Davies added that he supported the wider regeneration of the Snowdrop Lane area.

Police have said officers will remain in the street today carrying out door-to-door crime enquiries.

Anyone with information, CCTV, or Ring doorbell footage is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Quote reference: DP-20260427-508.