UK Brewery Closures Trigger 2026 Survival Crisis Warning

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An industry group has raised alarms about a possible “survival crisis” looming over British brewing in 2026, as new statistics reveal that brewery closures across the UK averaged nearly three per week throughout 2025.

According to the latest figures from the SIBA UK Brewery Tracker, the rate of brewery closures surged last year, jumping by 37% compared to 2024. As of January 1, 2026, the UK is home to just 1,578 breweries, a drop from 1,715 at the beginning of 2025. This is a stark contrast to the 1,815 breweries recorded in 2024 and 1,828 in 2023, when the tracker was first introduced.

The SIBA UK Brewery Tracker, put together by the Society of Independent Brewers & Associates (SIBA), keeps tabs on all known brewery openings and closures to paint a clear picture of the industry. The most recent data indicates a net closure rate of nearly three breweries each week in 2025, translating to a net loss of 2.6 breweries weekly.

Reflecting on these findings, SIBA Chief Executive Andy Slee stated:

“Britain is incredibly fortunate to have such a diverse array of passionate, independent breweries crafting beer locally across the UK; however, if we don’t take action soon to reverse these closure rates, we could be staring down the barrel of a survival crisis for British brewing.

“The problem isn’t a lack of demand – there’s a significant appetite for beer from local independent breweries. The real challenge lies in the heavy tax burden on small breweries, the rise in mergers leading to market consolidation, and limited access to pubs for smaller producers.”

Research highlighted in the SIBA Independent Beer Report 2025 shows that production levels among independent brewers have bounced back to pre-pandemic figures, with independently brewed cask beer seeing double-digit growth. Yet, ongoing market pressures and an uptick in mergers and acquisitions have left the UK with 137 fewer breweries than it had just a year ago.

SIBA has raised concerns that the proposed changes to Pub Business Rates outlined in the Autumn Budget 2025 could further destabilize the sector. These proposals are set to result in significant rate hikes for most pubs, even though about 80% of the beer crafted by small independent breweries is sold through these establishments.

We can expect an announcement from the Government soon regarding measures to counter these proposed changes. SIBA emphasizes that action is urgently needed.

“The pub and beer industry is on edge, eagerly awaiting the Government's plan to tackle the rising Business Rates for pubs. However, even if the changes are reversed, it would merely restore the sector to its previous state and wouldn’t provide the long-awaited reforms necessary to fix the tax imbalance between traditional and online businesses.”

SIBA also stressed the importance of allowing both globally owned and independent beers to thrive side by side in bars throughout the UK.

“We firmly believe that there’s a clear need for globally owned and independent beers to coexist in UK pubs. We’re looking forward to the results of the Department for Business and Trade’s investigation into how this can be accomplished and are eager to collaborate with all stakeholders to better satisfy consumer demand.”

In closing, Andy Slee remarked:

“Britain boasts a rich brewing heritage and is home to some of the finest beers in the world. However, the time for nostalgia has passed. Britain’s independent brewers, much like the broader hospitality sector, require decisive action from the Government.”