Almost two pubs a day closed across Britain during the first three months of 2026, according to new figures from the British Beer and Pub Association. The trade body has warned that temporary relief measures alone will not be enough to protect jobs, investment and community venues from mounting financial pressure.
British Beer and Pub Association figures show that 161 pubs closed across England, Scotland and Wales during the first quarter of 2026, equivalent to almost two closures a day.
According to the BBPA, the closures resulted in more than 2,400 job losses, with around half affecting workers aged between 16 and 24.
The latest figures represent a 26% increase compared with the same period in 2025, when 128 pubs closed. Over the past five years, nearly 2,200 pubs have disappeared across the UK, with the total number falling from 46,829 in 2020 to 44,656 in 2025.
Trade body calls for permanent reform
The BBPA said the scale of closures demonstrates why pub-specific business rates relief introduced in April was so important for the sector, but warned that temporary measures will not solve deeper structural pressures.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA, said: “The scale of these closures is avoidable because pubs are doing a brisk trade, but their profits are wiped out by a disproportionate tax burden and huge costs.
“For too many, the sheer weight of taxes and regulatory costs have forced them to shut up shop, which will only hurt communities, workers, and the wider economy.
“We want to work with Government to establish a permanent long-term plan that will deliver permanently lower bills, a fairer system and ultimately protect this treasured sector. This means more people in jobs, precious community spaces protected, vibrant high streets, and more investment and growth.”
London and Scotland among hardest hit
London and the South East recorded the highest level of net pub closures in England, each seeing a decline of 0.5%. The East of England followed with 0.4%, while the North East recorded the lowest level at 0.1%.
Scotland lost 41 pubs during the same period, representing around 1% of its pub estate.
Closures also extend beyond hospitality venues themselves, affecting brewers, farmers and wider supply chain businesses connected to the sector.
Costs continue to climb
The BBPA estimated that measures announced in the November 2025 Budget added £322m in costs for pubs and brewers, excluding the impact of the 15% pub specific business rates relief and real terms freeze introduced from April.
One pound in every three spent in a pub currently goes towards tax.
The figures arrive amid wider concerns over rising prices in hospitality. As previously reported by the drinks business, several luxury London venues have begun charging £10 or more for beer, with premium Mayfair hotels among those pushing prices into double digits.
Margins remain under pressure
Separate analysis previously reported by the drinks business suggested pubs may now retain as little as 3p profit for every £1 spent.
Rising labour costs, higher alcohol duties and increasing utility bills have continued to squeeze margins even as operators increase prices. Wholesale purchasing accounts for around 41% of pub revenue, while wages represent approximately 31%.
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