I pub chiudono ed è un peccato – Artur Troost – Internazionale

The decline of traditional pubs and bars across Europe is contributing to the erosion of collective social spaces for the working class, according to an analysis by Artur Troost of Krytyka Polityczna, published in Internazionale on May 16, 2026. The disappearance of these venues, particularly in areas removed from tourist centers, is linked to a broader trend of social alienation and the loss of interpersonal relationships that exist independently of paid employment.

Troost argues that these establishments are quintessential elements of the urban landscape, characterized by standard furnishings and the presence of lively conversations both inside the venues and at outdoor tables. The crisis facing these spaces is presented not merely as an economic failure of the hospitality sector, but as a sociological concern regarding the disappearance of community hubs.

Regional Declines in Germany and France

The crisis is evident even in nations with deeply rooted beer cultures. In Germany, the brewery and bar sector is struggling despite the continued annual celebration of Oktoberfest. The impact is most severe for bars that serve locally produced beers.

In North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany’s largest state, one in two such establishments has closed over the two decades leading up to May 2026. The situation in parts of Brandenburg is described as more dramatic, with 70 percent of breweries closing within a single decade.

France has experienced a similar long-term contraction. During the 1960s, France had approximately 200,000 pubs and cafes. As of May 2026, fewer than one-fifth of those establishments remain in operation.

The Situation in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom has seen a consistent decline in its pub inventory since 2000. Since the beginning of the century, one in four pubs has closed, representing a loss of approximately 15,000 establishments.

Data indicates that this trend has not slowed. In 2025, approximately 380 pubs ceased operations, a rate of more than one closure per day.

Sociological Impact and Mental Health

The loss of these venues is framed as a threat to the mental health of the general population. Troost notes that various studies demonstrate that regularly visiting a local pub has a positive effect on mental health because it encourages social interaction.

The analysis suggests that as these collective spaces for the working class vanish, the alternative is a progressive state of alienation. This process removes from daily life the interpersonal connections that are not tied to professional or remunerated work, further isolating individuals from their communities.