Italy faces decline in bar sector with 24,000 closures since 2019

Italy is facing a significant decline in its local bar and small business sector. According to data from Confesercenti, the country has lost over 24,000 bar businesses between 2019 and 2025, averaging a closure of approximately 11 establishments per day.

This trend represents a 14.2% decrease in the total number of bar enterprises. The decline is driven by rising management costs, including energy and raw materials, alongside reduced consumer purchasing power. Other contributing factors include high labor costs, the rise of remote working affecting urban foot traffic, and competition from modern distribution and delivery services. Confesercenti estimates this contraction has resulted in an economic loss of over 7.2 billion euros due to decreased consumption, employment, and tax revenue.

In specific local contexts, such as Novi Ligure, the crisis is exacerbated by high commercial rents. Real estate listings show significant monthly costs for central locations, adding further financial pressure to businesses already struggling with changing consumer habits and e-commerce competition.