According to data from the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA), this month could see almost 300m pints sold across the on-trade, adding £3.3bn in Gross Value Added (GVA) into the UK economy.
The BBPA calculated it would mean the industry as a whole would put £1.7bn in the Treasury’s coffers as the sector gears up for its busiest month.
However, the trade body warned most pubs will make “pennies in profits” for every pint sold, adding the figures should highlight the huge economic contributions made by the sector and not “mask” the financial struggles faced by many firms.
Economic pillar
BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin said: “Month in, month out, but most of all at Christmas, beer and pubs pour billions into the UK economy and Treasury.
“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.”
In addition, the sale of pints in pubs for December alone could amount to 9.5% of annual beer sales, generating turnover of around £1.4bn and £136m just in beer duty.
Continued risk
Though the BBPA warned the cumulative impact of the Budget meant a £650m increase to the cost of doing business for the industry putting pubs, brewers, investment and jobs at continued risk.
Moreover, the association urged the Government to “swiftly deliver” on permanent and meaningful business rate reforms to give the sector the “best chance of continuing to serve communities and regenerate high streets”.
The BBPA also called on the Government to reconsider the timing of the new employment costs so businesses can “better plan”, employ new staff and continue to support the 1m people employed in the sector.
According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) the average cost of a pint of draught lager in the on-trade jumped 2.8% in the year to October 2024, rising from £4.67 in 2023 to £4.80
