Britain is set to lose one pub per day throughout 2026 following nearly 300 permanent closures during the first nine months of this year, according to industry figures. Analysts at the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) said they anticipate the closures will result in approximately 5,000 job losses throughout the sector.
Closures by region
Fresh data from the BBPA revealed that 295 British pubs closed their doors permanently by the end of September since the beginning of the year. England experienced 226 pub closures in total during this period, while 64 shut in Scotland and five closed in Wales.
Across England, the South East and North West witnessed particularly elevated closure rates, with 42 and 39 closures respectively.
Tax burden and job losses
Publicans have attributed the latest wave of closures to the heavy tax burden and regulatory expenses impacting the industry, despite recent business rates relief for pubs. The trade organisation predicted that approximately 360 pubs will close permanently by year's end.
This is expected to lead to roughly 5,000 job losses, with over half of these positions being occupied by under-25s, the BBPA stated. The pub industry has received a 15% reduction to business rates for the current financial year with a 20% reduction coming next year.
Industry calls for further support
Industry leaders acknowledged recent support will provide significant assistance but called on Andy Burnham to address other taxes and employment costs affecting businesses.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA, said: "When a local closes, the damage is felt far and wide."
"It's not just workers, communities, our heritage and high streets who lose out when a pub closes – the Treasury loses, on average, £200,000 in tax receipts every time a local calls last orders."
"The Prime Minister has pledged that the cavalry is coming, which is why we're asking Government to tackle the root of the problem through a permanently fair and sustainable rates burden, freezing beer duty, increasing draught relief and reviewing employment costs for under-25s."
"This will mean we can carry on keeping people in jobs, boosting the economy, and being at the heart of communities."
