December pint sales expected to generate turnover of £1.4b

Almost 300 million pints are expected to be sold in pubs this month amounting to turnover of around £1.4b, though profit margins remain slim, new figures show.

The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) predicted the beer and pub sector to contribute £3.3b in gross value added (GVA) to the UK economy, while the industry as a whole would generate £1.7b for the Treasury.

With an average pint costing £4.80, sales would lead to £136m in beer duty alone.

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA, 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.”  

She added: “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 warned the cumulative impact of the budget costs at least £650m for the industry.

The industry body has urged government to implement meaningful business rates reform as well as reconsidering the timing of the new employment costs.

The BBPA is the UK’s leading trade association representing pubs and breweries.

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