More than 400 pubs have disappeared from communities in England and Wales this year, but the number of pubs calling last orders flatlined despite the toll of the pandemic. 

Analysis of official government data by real estate adviser Altus Group found the number of pubs liable for property taxes, for business rates, including those vacant and being offered to let, has fallen by 444 to 40,173 in December, compared with 40,617 a year earlier.

The figure means roughly 37 pubs have been demolished or converted for other uses, such as for homes or offices, each month in 2021.

Recent data has shown a steadying in the sector, with 446 disappearing in 2020 and 473 disappearing in 2019, after pub numbers tumbled dramatically by 914 in 2018. It shows the continued fall in pub numbers across the UK, with 2,277 vanishing since 2017.

Robert Hayton of Altus  said: “Pubs continue to bear the brunt of coronavirus restrictions … however, it remains to be seen what impact omicron has on numbers next year as this could be the straw that broke the camel’s back for many.”

Hospitality insolvencies have also been reduced despite the impact of the pandemic as a result of support measures.

However, the phasing out of support in recent months and the limited nature of the Chancellor’s latest package of measures could mean more hardship is on the horizon.

Hospitality and leisure businesses were told on Tuesday that they will be able to receive up to £6,000 per premises after trade was hit by a new Covid wave.

Companies  have warned this might not be sufficient, with the boss of restaurant chain Gaucho describing the support as “too little, too late”.