The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) is estimating that almost 12 million extra pints will be sold in UK pubs during the Six Nations tournament.
The trade body estimates that the tournament will generate nearly £60m in additional revenue for the sector, compared with a typical February or March weekend.
Despite this, UK beer drinkers continue to pay significantly more in beer duty than fans in competing nations. The UK’s beer duty is three times higher than in both France and Italy. It is also 12 times higher than in Germany or Spain, and increased this February — the first rise for pubs since 2017.
“With an extra 12m pints expected to be poured during the tournament, generating around £60 million in sales, the Six Nations is a huge moment for pubs,” said Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA.
“There’s nothing quite like watching sport in the pub and we encourage fans to get down to their local and be part of the atmosphere while supporting their teams.
“However, given UK pubgoers pay more in beer duty than fans in any of the other Six Nations countries, we’re calling for a reduction in beer duty.
“We welcome the government’s recent support on business rates and want to work with them so that the people behind the pint are properly supported and our brewers can invest and grow.”
The BBPA is calling on government to work with the sector on a long-term plan to help the industry thrive, including reducing beer duty in line with the European average.
