Card transactions almost triple in during Euros final for pubs

Sales made via debit and credit cards increased by 195.6% year-on-year while they rose 107.3% week-on-week.

Across England’s seven Euro 2024 matches, UK pub and bar transactions were up 86.4% year-on-year on average, with growth peaking during the final.

The final was also 2024’s busiest Sunday of the year for UK pubs and bars – transaction volumes were up 92.9%compared to the average Sunday in 2024. The next busiest Sundays in 2024 were on 5 and 26 May, during the two May bank holiday weekends.

Late trading​

England lost 2-1 during 90 minutes against Spain, which also meant there was lower potential for more sales during what would have been 30 minutes of extra time (and the possibility of penalties) and dwell time was reduced.

However, pubs were allowed to trade until 1am​ during the final on Sunday so long as their trading hours met legal requirements.

UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls added: “These phenomenal figures show the enormous impact the Euros final had on hospitality, with sales tripling to make it the busiest Sunday of the year so far.

“Pubs were packed with fans cheering on England and, while the result wasn’t what we wanted, it reinforced that the pub is the number one place to watch live sport, outside of being there in person.”

Significant boost​

Rich Robinson, head of hospitality and leisure at Barclays, said: “While not the result England fans will have been hoping for, the hospitality sector will be delighted that England made it all the way to the final, delivering a significant boost across each their seven games.

“Transactions on Sunday were up almost three times what they were last year, so pub landlords will certainly consider themselves winners.

“Let’s hope this has set the tone for the rest of the summer. Forecasts are hinting that July’s cool and wet weather may be turning a corner later this week, which should unlock more of the UK’s pent-up discretionary spending.”

The research statistics are based on merchant data from Barclays’ acquiring business, which are transactions made at pubs and bars that accept card payments using Barclays technology.