An estimated 1 million extra pints could be drunk during tomorrow’s Women’s Euro Final, potentially boosting the economy by £5m, new British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) figures show.
But the trade body has highlighted that fans watching in England and Wales will pay over ten times more for their beer than those watching the game in Spain.
England fans will pay approximately £500,000 in duty on the 1m extra pints expected to be poured, while Spanish fans would pay approximately £48,000 for the same quantity.
Using the Budget to reduce 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 BBPA says.
“The pub has forever been regarded as a home away from home, especially for sports fans, so it’s no surprise that people will be flocking to the pub to cheer on our fantastic Lionesses,” said Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA.
“However, UK pub-goers will pay over ten times more in beer duty than Spain, a totally unfair situation which highlights why government must use the Budget to reduce beer duty.
“This reduction would 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.”
The fresh figures come after previous BBPA statistics predicted that the Women’s Euros would bring an additional £13m into the British economy, with over 2.6m extra pints drunk.
The BBPA is also calling on the government to deliver on their promise to meaningfully and permanently reform the business rates system, mitigate new employment costs, and review the chaotic and eye-watering packaging EPR costs.
