Britain set to lose one pub a day through 2026

Summarised from 3 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 12 Oct, 00:19 · Archive

Almost 300 pubs shut in the first nine months of 2026, with the British Beer and Pub Association predicting 360 closures for the year.

Almost 300 pubs closed their doors in the first nine months of 2026, according to data from the British Beer and Pub Association. The trade body counted 295 closures between January and September. The BBPA expects closures to continue at a rate of one pub a day through the rest of the year, reaching an estimated 360 venue closures by the end of 2026.

England accounted for 226 of the closures so far, while Scotland lost 64 pubs and Wales five. Within England, the South East and North West saw particularly high levels of closures, with 42 and 39 respectively.

The BBPA estimates the closures will result in around 5,000 job losses, with more than half of those roles currently filled by under-25s. The Mirror notes that pubs are traditionally an important stepping stone into first employment.

Pub operators have linked the closures to high tax burdens and regulatory costs affecting the sector. The Mirror adds that the typical pub contributes approximately £200,000 to HMRC annually, meaning this year's closures could cost the government almost £72 million in lost tax receipts. The pub sector has benefited from a 15 per cent discount to business rates for the current tax year, with a 20 per cent cut from next year.

Trade industry bosses said recent support will be significant but urged the government to tackle other taxes and labour costs impacting the business. Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA, said: 'When a local closes, the damage is felt far and wide.'

How it is being reported

• One pub closed every day this year - as landlord brands cost hikes 'Japanese water torture'Pubs closures set to rise this year - with 5,000 job losses - but industry hangs hope on Andy Burnham's 20% business rate cutThe Mirror · 12 Oct, 00:05
• Britain on track to lose one pub a day in 2026 as cost pressures biteAlmost 300 pubs have permanently shut their doors in the first nine months of this year, according to industry dataThe Independent · 12 Oct, 00:01
• One pub shutting each day in 2026 as cost pressures bite – industry dataExperts at the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) said they expect the closures to be at the expense of around 5,000 job losses.Independent Business · 12 Oct, 00:01
• One pub shutting each day in 2026 as cost pressures bite – industry dataExperts at the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) said they expect the closures to be at the expense of around 5,000 job losses.Evening Standard · 12 Oct, 00:01

In this story: British Beer and Pub Association · England · Scotland · Wales · Emma McClarkin

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