Scotland Losing a Pub Every Four and a Half Days in 2026

585 JOBS AND MORE THAN £6 MILLION IN TAX REVENUE LOST SO FAR THIS YEAR

Analysis by the Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SBPA) and shown that 62 Scottish pubs closed during the first nine months of 2026, costing an estimated 585 jobs, including 330 held by under-25s, and more than £6 million in tax revenue. The SBPA is urging both the UK and Scottish Governments to use upcoming Budgets to back pubs and prevent further closures.

The SBPA said the figures highlight the intense cost pressures facing pubs and warned that further closures risk damaging local economies, employment and communities across Scotland.

The closures equate to almost seven pubs a month, around one and a half pubs every week, or a pub closing every four and a half days.

Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the Scottish Beer & Pub Association, said:

“When a local pub closes, the impact is felt far beyond its front door. Communities lose a valued gathering place, workers lose jobs and governments lose tax revenue. In Scotland alone, 62 pubs have closed in just nine months, costing 585 jobs and more than £6 million in tax receipts.

“These figures should serve as a wake-up call. Pubs want to invest, grow and continue supporting their communities, but many are being pushed to the limit by rising costs and an unsustainable tax burden.

“As we approach both the UK Budget and the Scottish Budget, governments have an opportunity to back one of Scotland’s most important community assets. The UK Government should build on its support for the sector by freezing beer duty, increasing draught relief, reviewing employment costs for under-25s, and reducing VAT, while the Scottish Government should increase business rates relief for pubs and remove the £110,000 per business cap on that support.

“Without meaningful action, we risk seeing more pubs close, more jobs lost and more communities deprived of the economic and social value that pubs provide.”

About the Scottish Beer & Pub Association

The Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SBPA) is the leading trade association representing Scotland's brewers, pubs and beer sector. Its members range from family-owned breweries and independent pub operators to some of the UK's largest brewing and hospitality businesses. The sector supports tens of thousands of jobs across Scotland and plays a vital role in local economies, tourism and communities.

Notes to Editors

• 62 Scottish pubs closed during the first nine months of 2026, reducing from 4,270 in 2025 to 4,206 now.

• Estimated 585 jobs lost, 330 under-25.

• Estimated £6,070,258 in lost tax revenue.

• Equivalent to one pub closure every 4.4 days.

For further information please contact Paul Togneri via ptogneri@beerandpub.com.

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