In the past year, over 400 pubs in England and Wales closed due to increasing costs and declining youth drinking rates. Landlords Coby Morton, 28, and Jason Osborne, 66, discuss the industry’s challenges. While alcohol consumption surged in the late 1990s, it has recently waned, particularly among 18-34-year-olds, with a Savanta survey revealing that 43% do not drink alcohol. This shift, coupled with high costs, has greatly impacted pubs, leading to a significant number of closures. Both Morton and Osborne share their experiences navigating these changes in their profession.