Empty pub licensee's closing (4)
I believe the answer is:
bare
'empty' is the definition.
(eg 'the cupboards were bare')
'pub licensee's closing' is the wordplay.
'pub' becomes 'bar' (both are drinking establishments).
'closing' indicates one should take the final letters (the letter which ends or closes the word).
The final letter of 'licensee' is 'e'.
'bar'+'e'='BARE'
(Other definitions for bare that I've seen before include "Stark - naked" , "Expose" , "Without protective covering" , "Unclothed or unadorned" , "Nude; uncover" .)