The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has predicted that pubs will serve 10 million pints of beer and 3 million traditional dinners on Christmas Day.
Across the festive period as a whole[1], the BBPA predicts that 40 million pints of beer will be sold in Britain’s pubs, a Christmas present for pubs worth £150 million.
As popular venues for Christmas parties and celebrations, pubs will have already been planning their Christmas menus and quality beer selections well in advance, to keep festive punters happy and deliver a brilliant Christmas experience.
The extra number of pints sold during the festive period will also bring Christmas cheer for the taxman. With tax on beer, in addition to VAT, meaning that HMRC could get an additional windfall as high as £22 million from pub goers celebrating Christmas at their local.
Across the month of December, increased demand for beer in both pubs and supermarkets to celebrate Christmas will see the equivalent of 780 million pints sold – 135 million pints more than the average month.
BBPA Chief Executive Brigid Simmonds comments:
“Christmas is a very busy time for Britain’s pubs and many see them as a home from home during the festive period. In fact, 10 million pints will be served by pubs on Christmas Day and 3 million Christmas dinners will be served at the pub as well.
“The role of the pub at Christmas is far greater than a place to eat and drink though. In many ways, the pub is the original social network and Christmas is a great chance to use it to reconnect with friends and family.
“The pub brings the community together and for those who aren’t so fortunate to be spending Christmas with loved ones, the local will be a great place to soak up the festive cheer and avoid feeling lonely.”
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Nick Lawrie, Digital Communications Manager: 020 7627 9156/ 07824 359 013
David Wilson, Director of Public Affairs: 020 7627 9151/ 07557 405 815
Adam Beazley, Communications & Campaigns Officer: 020 7627 9155 / 07507 836 708
Notes to editors:
All prediction numbers calculated using BBPA Sales Volume Survey data and pub sales
Nick Lawrie
Digital Communications Manager
British Beer & Pub Association
Phone: 020 7627 9156
Mobile: 07824 359013
Website: www.beerandpub.com
Twitter: @beerandpub
[1] Defined as Christmas Eve through to Boxing Day