England’s World Cup match against Ghana is expected to provide a significant boost to pubs across the UK, with four million extra pints forecast to be sold during the game.
Analysis from the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) suggests the additional sales could be worth around £20m to the pub trade as fans gather to watch Tuesday night’s fixture.
The prediction follows England’s victory over Croatia, which the BBPA says delivered a strong uplift in trade for pubs and bars across the country.
The trade body also highlighted the difference in beer duty rates between the competing nations, noting that drinkers in England pay 54p in duty per pint compared with 44p in Ghana.
Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said:
“England’s victory against Croatia gave pubs a fantastic boost and long may this continue.
“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.”
McClarkin added that further support from Government could help pubs and brewers by reducing beer duty and helping keep the cost of a pint affordable.
While major sporting events continue to drive footfall and spending, the BBPA said many pubs remain under pressure from rising employment costs, energy bills and some of the highest beer duty rates in Europe.
The association is continuing to call for lower business rates, reduced beer duty and VAT, and regulatory reforms to support the long-term sustainability of the sector.
