New analysis from the Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SBPA) reveals that 62 pubs across Scotland permanently closed in the first nine months of 2026. The closures have resulted in 585 job losses and more than £6 million in lost tax revenue, with 330 of the axed jobs held by those under 25.
The SBPA has said these figures should "serve as a wake-up call" for the Scottish and UK government to support pubs by freezing beer duty, increasing draught relief, reducing VAT, and reviewing employment costs for under-25s.
Closure rate and employment impact
The closures work out at around seven pubs per month, approximately one and a half pubs every week, or one pub shutting every four and a half days. The impact has mostly been faced by the younger generation, with 330 jobs that were axed being held by those under 25.
Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the SBPA, advised that "without meaningful action", local communities across Scotland face losing their local pub that serves as a "valued gathering place". This will ultimately lead to more closures and job losses.
Expert advice for struggling pubs
With pub owners across Scotland facing difficult decisions and a challenging future, insolvency practitioners Liquidation Centre have shared practical steps pubs and hospitality sector businesses can take now to regain control and reduce the risk of closure.
Richard Hunt, director of the Liquidation Centre, said: "Pubs are under huge pressure at the moment, so it’s important to look closely at where money is being spent. Small changes can make a real difference. Reviewing the menu, cutting food waste and focusing on the drinks and dishes customers actually want can help protect profits without having to put prices up across the board."
"Staffing is another area worth looking at. Making sure there are enough staff for busy periods, without paying for extra hours when trade is quiet, can help keep costs under control. But it’s just as important to maintain good service and give customers a reason to keep coming back."
"Most importantly, don’t wait until things get really bad before taking action. If you’re struggling to pay bills, falling behind on tax or constantly worrying about cash flow, take a proper look at the figures and get advice early. The sooner you deal with the warning signs, the more options you may have to turn things around. Leaving it too late can make an already difficult situation much harder to recover from."
Practical steps to reduce closure risk
Liquidation Centre has outlined five key steps for pubs and hospitality businesses. Carrying out cost audits is hailed as "one of the most vital steps" for identifying where money is being lost, whether on utilities, stock, or outdated supplier contracts.
Conducting regular pricing strategies is described as "crucial" for protecting profitability. Hunt says that "small, meaningful adjustments" that include offering a premium menu or "rebalancing prices" can help ensure profit margins rise in correspondence with business rates.
Examining and renegotiating leases is also highlighted, with Hunt adding: "Taking a close look at lease costs can open the door to renegotiation and give businesses more breathing room. It’s a practical step that can ease pressure on overheads and help pubs stay resilient during tougher trading periods, while building a bit of financial headroom."
Exploring alternate revenue streams, such as quiz nights, can help "attract a broader mix of customers." Engaging early with lenders and advisors is also advised, as delaying difficult conversations is "one of the most common and biggest mistakes a business can make". Hunt says lenders are generally more willing to work with a firm that is "pro-active" and "transparent" about its position.
