Thirteen pubs closed in Brighton and Hove in the past year, according to new figures.
The closures were revealed in answer to a parliamentary question by Hove Conservative MP Mike Weatherley.
In a written answer Home Office Minister James Brokenshire set out the figures showing that 13 pubs surrendered their licence in 2009-10.
This compared with one a year earlier and another 13 in 2007-08.
Two clubs also surrendered their premises certificates in the past year.
Punch Taverns and Enterprise Inns, Britain’s two biggest chains, have a number of pubs in Brighton and Hove and both companies have faced difficulties in the past few years.
Punch is struggling with huge debts and Enterprise Inns recently reported a financial loss.
They have sold and leased pubs to smaller operators as part of their efforts to place their finances on a firmer footing.
Recently Mr Weatherley urged councils to adopt a more positive approach to the pubs and clubs that generate hundreds of millions of pounds through the “night-time economy”.
He made his call in a speech during a parliamentary debate on reviving the fortunes of coastal towns.
He said that the night-time economy in Brighton and Hove alone was worth £400 million although since his speech Brighton and Hove City Council has adopted a tougher licensing regime.
The council operates a “cumulative impact zone” in which it believes the number of licensed premises has reached saturation point.
The policy involves not granting new licences in the zone – which includes West Street and the surrounding area.
Exceptions are made if it can be shown that these will not add to the existing problems relating to drunkenness, disorder and anti-social behaviour in the area.
