The rate of pub closures has slowed to 25 a week, but nearly 1,300 outlets still shut for good last year, new figures published today reveal.
The survey, commissioned by the British Beer & Pub Association, shows the rate of closures was highest in London with 276 net closures in 2010.
The North West was next worst hit with 169 net closures, meaning pubs closed at an average of three a week.
Pub closures hit a high of 52 a week in the first half of 2009.
Due to last year's losses, the BBPA said this represented a net loss of around 13,000 pub jobs across the country, based on each venue employing an average of 10 people.
Brigid Simmonds, the BBPA's chief executive, used news of the figures to renew calls for the government to freeze beer duty in the Budget and abandon the escalator.
"The closure of 25 pubs every week is bad news for the economy, as the sector plays such a vital role," she said.
"It's also a blow for local communities, with pubs often acting as the hub of local life.
"With the right policies, this vital part of our tourism and hospitality sector could be creating new jobs, and helping to bring Britain out of recession.
"If we really do have a pub-friendly government as the Prime Minister says, the time to act is now - with a freeze in beer duty in the Budget."
