The average pint costs the same in tenanted/leased pubs — £2.66 — as in independent venues, according to new figures released from the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA).
This is likely to be used to argue against claims that the consumer is disadvantages by the beer tie, coming as the Office of Fair Trading studies the issue.
The figure's included in the BBPA's new statistical handbook, which says sales of beer in cans and bottles overtook draught sales for the first time last year — as further evidence of the rise in off-sales versus the pub.
total expenditure on alcohol in 2008 in the on-trade was at its lowest level since 1972.
The new data also shows UK alcohol consumption is falling, from 9.2 litres of 100% alcohol per head in 2007 to 8.9 litres in 2008.
UK beer consumption is "mid-range" compared to the rest of Europe — the Czechs drink the most at 12.4 litres.
Government revenue from the alcohol sector reached £14.7bn in 2008/2009, with tax on beer alone reaching £6bn, the data shows.
BBPA acting chief executive, David Long said: "Our new Statistical Handbook will confound many of the myths surrounding trends in the UK drinks industry. Year on year, we are not drinking more. Nor is British beer getting stronger, with two thirds of our beer at or below 4.2 per cent strength, compared to the continental standard of 5 per cent.
"These facts, along with thousands of others, make this publication an essential tool for anyone with an interest in an industry that is so vital to the UK economy."