Italy faces commercial desertification as 24,000 bars close

An analysis by Confesercenti reveals a significant decline in the number of bars across Italy between 2019 and 2025. Nationally, the sector saw a 14.2% reduction, with 24,073 establishments closing—averaging approximately 11 bars per day. This trend is attributed to rising energy and raw material costs, increased labor and rent expenses, changing consumer habits influenced by smart working, and a loss of purchasing power.

The impact is particularly acute in smaller towns and internal areas, leading to what experts call ‘commercial desertification.’ In Calabria, 474 bars disappeared, with 86% of losses occurring outside provincial capitals. Similar declines were noted in provinces such as Forlì-Cesena, Modena, and Ravenna, as well as in cities like Florence and Rome.

Beyond the economic loss—estimated at over 7.2 billion euros nationally—the closures represent a social crisis. Bars often serve as essential community hubs and social safeguards in local neighborhoods. To combat this, Confesercenti has collected over 50,000 signatures for a legislative proposal to support neighborhood businesses and urban regeneration.