However, they all have staffing problems, and some have to close part of the week because staff presumably find better work elsewhere.
Couple that with sometimes extortionate business rates and many average pubs in remote areas are simply not viable.
Barstaff don't get tips in the UK
It's more likely that on quiet nights/days it's simply not cost effective to open. During a weekday a small pub might literally have one or two customers. They're traditionally owner-operated for a reason, and the reason is because the margins don't allow for staff.
At least when food comes into it they may do, quite a lot of tips where my brother worked a few years back (pooled and shared between bar & kitchen staff). Nothing like the US though indeed.
You have absolutely no idea about this topic you're commenting on, do you?
How is that relevant to the number of pubs in England and Wales, which is the topic.