Publicans say thousands of jobs have been lost in the drinks industry over the past seven years because of pub closures.
Organisations representing vintners around the country say figures show that 1,500 pubs have closed since 2001.
Publicans are blaming taxes on alcohol, the growth of home drinking and declining consumption. They are now calling for no tax increase on drink in the Budget to ease the pressure on the pub trade.
The publicans say their figures are based on an analysis of the number of accounts held by the major drinks manufacturers who supply pubs across the country.
