Pubs to lose out on 6m pints over August bank holiday weekend

26-Aug-2021 - Last updated on 26-Aug-2021 at 13:54 GMT

Cash drop: the 6m fewer pints sold equates to £25m in lost revenue, the British Beer & Pub Association estimated (image: Getty/agrobacter)

The trade is set to sell 60m pints of beer over this bank holiday weekend however, this is 6m fewer than the same period in 2019, research has revealed.

The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) predicted the figures and said the forecast was based on a survey of its members.

The 6m pint sales lost equate to £25m in revenue – down 10% when compared with the same weekend in 2019.

The trade body reiterated its calls for the Government to invest in the sector, to help bridge the gap in revenues as well as enabling pubs to aid build the economy back.

It urged the Government to permanently cut VAT in pubs, extending to the beer sold in them alongside a drop in beer duty.

Huge sales gap

Figures from the BBPA show beer duty has risen by 60% over the past two decades resulting in the UK having one of the highest rates in Europe.

A BBPA spokesperson said: “We reckon Brits supporting their local this bank holiday weekend will buy 60 million pints.

“Of course our sector is grateful to be fully open again and for all the trade it can get, but that is still 6 million pints down on 2019.

“Trading 10% down is a huge gap in sales for pubs. Especially after 16 months of lockdown and heavy restrictions that destroyed trade.”

The trade body went on to highlight the important role pubs play in the community and local economy.

Significant value

The spokesperson added: “The Government must bridge the gap for pubs and invest in them. Reforming excessive business rates, permanently lowering VAT and cutting beer duty is clearly the answer.

“Pubs have so much to give to the UK’s recovery and building back better in communities across the country, so it’s a no-brainer.

“A pub adds significant value to the local economy, provides vital jobs and creates connected and vibrant communities, particularly in community and rural areas.

“If the Government is serious about levelling up the UK and building back better, it must invest in our pubs so that they can help lead the much needed economic and social recovery.”