Approximately two British pubs closed a day in the first quarter of 2026, according to figures produced by the industry.
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) says 161 pubs closed in the first three months of this year across England, Scotland and Wales, equating to the loss of around 2,400 jobs.
Earlier this year, the government announced business rates support for pubs after warnings from the sector that further tax changes could lead to more closures. The 15% tax relief for pubs and music venues came into effect last month. The BBPA said the latest closure figures highlighted a need for longer-term changes, including a wider overhaul of taxes on the hospitality sector.
It comes after 336 British pubs reported closures in 2025.”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,” said Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA.
