Higher taxes could force more pubs to close in the East Midlands
10 pubs closed in the East Midlands in the first few months of the year
There are fears higher taxes could force more pubs to close across the East Midlands.
New statistics reveal 10 pubs closed in the region in the first three months of 2026.
Why are pubs closing?
Nationally, around two pubs closed each day in the first three months of the year amid pressure from higher taxes and regulatory costs, according to industry figures.
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) warned that the closures equate to the loss of around 2,400 jobs, with a particular hit to younger workers.
It represents a 26% jump against the same period last year, with local pubs having come under pressure from rising labour costs, taxes and caution among consumers.
Tax relief...
Early this year, the Government announced business rates support for pubs after warnings from the sector that further tax changes could lead to more closures and job losses.
A 15% tax relief for pubs and music venues came into effect last month.
However, measures from last November’s budget, such as an increase in the minimum wage, still added to a significant jump in business costs for pubs and brewers.
'Pubs are a local business'
Steve Alton lives in Derbyshire and is CEO of the British Institute of Innkeeping. He told us: "Pubs are a local business, they employ local people, many of them being young people looking for a first job.
"They support local business like brewers. For that reason, the pub is interconnected within it's community.
"The Government must show it's support by reducing this tax burden. If they do not then the rate of closure will accelerate. For many communities and high streets, if a pub closes they will not come back," he said.
'Extending World Cup opening hours'
A Government spokesperson said: “We are backing Britain’s pubs – cutting April’s business rates bills by 15% followed by a two-year freeze, extending World Cup opening hours and increasing the Hospitality Support Fund to £10 million to help venues grow.
"Later this year, we’ll also build on our Pride in Place programme with our new High Streets Strategy to revitalise our town centres.
“This comes on top of capping corporation tax, cutting alcohol duty on draught pints and six cuts in interest rates, benefiting businesses in every part of Britain.”