Two pubs closed per day in first three months of 2026
An industry body say this means the loss of 2,400 jobs
Around two pubs closed each day in the first three months of 2026, according to industry figures.
Figures from the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) show 161 pubs closed across Britain in the first quarter of the year - a 26% jump compared to the same period last year.
The industry body said this means the loss of 2,400 jobs, with younger workers especially affected.
BBPA Chief Executive Emma McClarkin 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.
“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."
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 and job losses.
This led to a 15% tax relief for pubs and music venues coming into effect last month.
However, parts of last November’s budget, such as a minimum wage increase, caused a significant rise in business costs for pubs and brewers.
These latest figures also show that more than 2,000 British pubs have closed since the first coronavirus outbreak.
An exception was Wales, which experienced a rise in pub numbers in the latest data.
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.”
How many pubs have closed in your region?
Here are the number of pub closures in each British region:
Scotland, 41 closures to 4,188 pubs
London, 17 closures to 3,432 pubs
South East, 26 closures to 5,643 pubs
East of England, 16 closures to 3,682 pubs
North West, 18 closures to 5,145 pubs
South West, 13 closures to 4,582 pubs
West Midlands, 11 closures to 3,910 pubs
East Midlands, 10 closures to 3,579 pubs
Yorkshire and The Humber, 10 closures to 4,235 pubs
North East, 2 closures to 1,926 pubs
Wales, 3 pubs gained to 2,901 pubs