England’s next World Cup clash is set to deliver a major boost to pubs across the country, the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) predicts.
An estimated four million extra pints are expected to be sold for tomorrow night’s match against Ghana. These will be worth around £20m to the trade.
The BBPA says the tournament has highlighted the noticeable disparity in beer duty between the two competing nations, with England fans paying 54p per pint while Ghanians pay 44p.
“England’s victory against Croatia gave pubs a fantastic boost, and long may this continue,” aid Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA.
“With Tuesday night’s clash against Ghana, we’re expecting a similar boost to last Wednesday’s Croatia game, which would be worth upwards of £20m to the trade. This is hugely welcome for venues still battling high taxes and costs, and shows how you can’t beat the pub when it comes to watching live sport.
“Government can further support our pubs and brewers by cutting beer duty to the European average so we can keep a pint affordable for all.”
Despite the predicted World Cup windfall, pubs across the country continue to navigate eye-watering employment costs, energy prices, and some of the highest beer duty rates in Europe.
The BBPA are committed to working with government to establish a long-term plan to deliver permanently lower business rates bills, cutting beer duty and VAT, and reducing the regulatory burden pubs face. With the resignation of the prime minister today, could change be on the horizon?
