Almost 300 million pints could be sold in pubs in December, with the beer and pub sector expected to pour a total of £3.3 billion in gross value added into the UK economy.
That’s the view of the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA), which says this month could see the industry as a whole put £1.7bn into the Treasury’s coffers.
The sales of pints in pubs in December alone amounts to 9.5% of their annual beer sales. This would generate turnover of around £1.4bn, with the average pint costing £4.80. This would generate £136m in beer duty alone.
Roaring trade should highlight the huge contributions the sector makes to the UK’s coffers, but not mask the fact that most pubs will only make pennies in profits for every pint sold, the BBPA says.
“Month in, month out, but most of all at Christmas, beer and pubs pour billions into the UK economy and Treasury,” said chief executive Emma McClarkin.
“With the average pub making just 12p a pint, thanks to the shocking cost of doing business, these figures highlight just how much our sector boosts the economy, but also what little money is left over.
“We’re working with government to make sure they cut the cost of doing business so we can help deliver their growth mission, continue to be a pillar of the economy and job market, and remain at the heart of communities.”
The BBPA has warned that the cumulative impact of the Budget means, at a conservative estimate, a £650m increase to the cost of doing business for the industry, putting pubs, brewers, investment and jobs at continued risk.
The trade association is urging the government to swiftly deliver on permanent and meaningful business rate reforms to give the sector the best chance of continuing to serve their communities and regenerate high streets.
The BBPA is also calling on government to reconsider the timing of the new employment costs so businesses can better plan and carry on employing staff they need, rather than staff they can afford.
