Women’s Euros could see 2.6 million extra pints drunk and boost economy by £13 million, BBPA reveals

Tournament could see 2.6 million extra pints drunk as fans flock to pubs  

· UK pub goers pay almost 12 times more on duty than those watching the games in Germany and Spain  

· BBPA calls on the Government to level the playing field and cut beer duty  

An estimated 2.6 million extra pints could be drunk during the Women’s Euros, potentially boosting the economy by £13 million, new British Beer and Pub Association statistics reveal.  

The additional pints that could be pulled if the teams progress to the final, would mean the sector generates an extra £3.4 million for the Treasury, cementing its status as a key pillar of the UK economy, the BBPA said.  

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.  

Despite the boost to local jobs and the nations’ purse, the leading trade body 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.  

Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association said: “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.  

“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.”  

Included within the £13 million boost the economy, £2.2 million of this will be paid directly to the Treasury through VAT, with £1.2 million also being paid in beer duty.  

The BBPA calls for a reduction in beer duty toward the EU average, as current rates remain almost three times higher than European neighbours.    

More than a million jobs depend upon the beer and pub sector, which boosts the economy by more than £34 billion 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.  

The BBPA calls for a reduction in beer duty, a review of the chaotic and punishing packaging regime, and swift and fair business rates reform so the sector can drive investment for the UK.  

BBPA members have been focusing on championing the Women’s Euros and ensuring pubs are welcoming spaces for fans.   

As part of its ongoing commitment to championing inclusive sport, Stonegate Group is proud to partner with HerGameToo - a campaign dedicated to tackling sexism and promoting gender equality in sport. As well as offering limited-edition menu items and hosting themed bottomless brunches, they’ll be creating HerGameToo Fan Zones in Social Pub & Kitchen venues across the UK. These spaces will offer fans a safe, inclusive, and vibrant environment to enjoy every match live.

ENDS  

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NOTES TO EDITORS:  

The uplift is the estimated increase in pub beer sales during Women’s Euros matches compared with the annual daily average.  

The UK pays the fourth-highest duty rate amongst nations competing at the tournament, with Iceland taking first place. The UK pays nearly 12 times more than Spain and Germany and three times the EU average.  

For a breakdown of how UK beer duty compares to other European countries please see our stats and graph here.  

About the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA):     

We are the UK's leading trade association representing pubs and breweries. Our members brew 90% of British beer and own nearly half of UK pubs.     

We are the voice of pubs and brewers, offering insight and policy thinking to government, political stakeholders and media alike to help ensure that there is an in-depth understanding of both the opportunities and challenges faced by the sector and the policy solutions to bring about the optimal fiscal and policy framework that will underpin a thriving pub and brewing sector in the UK.    

Contact: Anna Edwards, aedwards@beerandpub.com

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