ABOUT two pubs closed each day in the first three months of the year amid pressure from higher taxes and regulatory costs, industry figures show.

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) warned that the closures equate to the loss of around 2,400 jobs, with a particular hit to younger workers.

Figures from the trade organisation show that 161 pubs closed across Britain in the first quarter of the year, a 26 per cent jump against the same period last year.

Early this year, the government announced business rates support for pubs after warnings that further tax changes could lead to more closures and job losses.

A 15 per cent tax relief for pubs and music venues came into effect last month.

But measures from November’s budget, such as an increase in the minimum wage, still added to a significant jump in business costs.

The BBPA said the closure figures highlight a need for longer-term changes to business rates and a wider overhaul of taxes on the hospitality sector.

Chief executive Emma McClarkin said: “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.

“For too many, the sheer weight of taxes and regulatory costs have forced them to shut up shop, which will only hurt communities, workers, and the wider economy.”

It comes after a drop of 336 pub numbers last year to 44,656, meaning that more than 2,000 pubs have closed since the pandemic in 2020.

Scotland witnessed the heaviest fall in numbers.

The UK Spirits Alliance urged the government to carry out a “proper review” of excise duty as hospitality is “fighting for our very survival.”