British pubs closing at a rate of almost two per day in 2026

Pubs and hospitality venues across the UK have been under increased pressure in recent years, which has been attributed to increased labour costs, rising business rates and shifting consumer habits.

"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."

The BBPA reports 161 pubs closed in the first three months of 2026 across England, Scotland and Wales, equating to around 2,400 jobs lost.

The government announced business rates support for pubs; a 15% tax relief for pubs and music venues came into effect last month, with a 15% cut in April's business rates bills to be followed by a two-year freeze, extended World Cup opening hours and an increased Hospitality Support Fund to £10m. The Pride in Palace programme will fund locally-led solutions in 280 neighbourhoods in England as part of high-street revitalisation. 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.

Scotland suffered the heaviest losses, with 41 closures between January and March 2026. Wales was the only region to report an increased number of pubs.

The article notes that 336 British pubs reported closures in 2025.