Sardinia bar numbers decline as 523 establishments close

Between 2019 and 2025, the number of bars in Sardinia decreased by 523, representing an 8.7% contraction. Total establishments in the region fell from 6,016 to 5,493. While this decline is less severe than the 14.2% national reduction seen across Italy, the regional data highlights a significant loss of local services.

Confesercenti Sardegna has expressed concern regarding the territorial distribution of these closures. Approximately 80% of the lost businesses—415 out of 523—were located in non-capital municipalities. Gian Battista Piana, regional director of Confesercenti Sardegna, noted that the closure of a bar in a small town signifies more than just economic loss; it represents the disappearance of a social hub and a vital community service.

Provincial data shows varying levels of impact. Sassari recorded the largest absolute loss with 236 fewer bars, accounting for roughly 45% of the regional decline. Percentage-wise, Sud Sardegna saw the highest reduction at 11.7%, followed by Sassari at 10.2% and Oristano at 9.2%. Oristano specifically saw its bar count drop from 160 to 126, a 21.3% decrease. In contrast, Nuoro and Cagliari showed more stability with declines of 5.3% and 5.4%, respectively.