An estimated 2.6 million extra pints could be drunk during the Women’s Euros, potentially boosting the economy by £13m, says the British Beer and Pub Association.
The additional pints that could be pulled if British teams progress to the final would mean the sector generates an extra £3.4m for the Treasury, cementing its status as a key pillar of the UK economy, the BBPA says.
In a further boost to the sector, the government has announced that pubs will be able to stay open for longer if England or Wales reach the semi-finals and finals.
The trade body has, however, highlighted that England and Wales pay the fourth highest beer duty, compared to the other competing nations, coming just behind Iceland, Finland, and Norway.
Fans watching in England and Wales will pay almost 12 times more on duty than those watching the games in Germany and Spain, and over five times more in duty compared to those in Portugal.
Following the avalanche of new packaging and Budget costs that came into effect in April, the BBPA is calling on government to ease the strain on the brewing and pub sector by reducing beer duty.
Reducing beer duty rates to be on par with European neighbours would boost British production, deliver new investment and keep a lid on the price of a pint.
“The pub has forever been regarded as a home away from home, especially for sports fans, so it’s no surprise that fans will be flocking to the pub to cheer on our brilliant teams,” said BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin.
“However, UK pub-goers will pay the fourth highest beer duty compared to the other nations, a totally unfair situation which highlights why government must level the playing field and reduce beer duty.
“This reduction will help unlock the sector’s potential to drive even more growth for the economy, boost jobs, and means our communities aren’t paying more than our European neighbours.”
As part of the £13m boost to the economy, £2.2m will be paid directly to the Treasury through VAT, with £1.2m being paid in beer duty.
More than a million jobs depend upon the beer and pub sector, which boosts the economy by more than £34bn every year and creates a place where communities can gather under one roof.
Despite these huge contributions, the extra government-imposed costs mean the average pint will now cost an extra 21p and breach the £5 barrier to mitigate new costs.
