Scotland suffers highest rate of pub closures – Daily Business

Pub closures in Scotland are accelerating

Pubs are closing across the UK at the rate of two a day, with Scotland suffering the heaviest toll, according to new data.

The figures for the first quarter of 2026 reveal that 41 pubs north of the border called last orders.

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) says 161 pubs closed in the first three months of this year across England, Scotland and Wales, equating to the loss of around 2,400 jobs.

It means closures are accelerating with the number shutting in the first quarter already half of last year’s total of 336.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a 15% business rates relief for pubs and music venues in England, which came into effect last month. Shona Robison, the Scottish government’s Finance Secretary, extended this to 40% for eligible hospitality and music venues. Both schemes are time limited.

However, the BBPA is calling for longer-term support, including a wider overhaul of taxes on the hospitality sector.

“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,” said Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA.

“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.”

A government spokesperson said the cut in April’s business rates bills will be followed by a two-year freeze.

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