Around two pubs closed each day in the first three months of 2026 amid pressure from higher taxes and regulatory costs, according to industry figures. The closures equate to the loss of around 2,400 jobs, with younger workers hit especially hard, the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has warned. Figures from the trade organisation show that 161 pubs shut across Britain in the first quarter of the year, marking a 26% jump from the same period in 2025.
The BBPA said local pubs have come under particular pressure from rising labour costs, taxes and consumer caution, highlighting the need for longer-term changes to business rates and a wider overhaul of taxes on the hospitality sector. It warned that the Government's 15% relief on pub business rates, which came into force last month, may not be enough to offset the jump in operating costs, linked to changes including a hike of employer's National Insurance and the minimum wage.
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The support scheme followed warnings from the sector that recent tax changes would lead to more closures and job losses.
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."
She added: "This underscores why Government's business rates relief was so necessary, and the support such a welcome relief.
"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."
The BBPA's warning follows a drop in the number of pubs across Britain by 336 last year, with 44,656 remaining open across the country.
It meant more than 2,000 boozers have closed since the outbreak of the Covid pandemic in 2020, with Scotland the worst hit part of the UK, with 41 closures last year, reducing its total number of pubs to 4,188.
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