MERRY XMAS
Party has started as millions go on bender
BRITAIN is set to go on a £500million 72-hour mega booze-up as the Christmas celebrations get into full swing.
Pubs, clubs and bars will be heaving from tonight as millions of workers break up for the festive season with a marathon drinking session.
More than 150m pints will be pulled as the revelry continues tomorrow and Christmas Eve with partygoers enjoying a festive tipple ahead of the big day.
Trade experts predict say people will be buying even more drinks in pubs and bars than last year.
At least £550m worth of beer, wine and fizz will be drunk, according to the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers.
But the boozing bonanza is expected to mean millions staying in bed on Christmas morning nursing hangovers – before venturing out for a hair of the dog.
The spending spree is set to continue into the New Year as many are looking forward to an extended break with two weekends off to glug down pints. Brigid Simmonds, from the British Beer & Pub Association, said: “Pubs are gearing up for a bumper Christmas this year, given the two holiday weekends.”
The spending will continue at home, with Sainsbury’s expecting to sell about 489,000 bottles of fizz tomorrow.
Sales of Prosecco and wine will soar as party hosts look to impress their guests.
Elizabeth Newman, head of beers, wines and spirits at Sainsbury’s, said: “The alternative sparkling wine market is really booming.
“Prosecco continues to be an area of strong growth for us, but its rise has also opened people’s eyes to the breadth of sparkling wines out there.”
Meanwhile, young adults will be spending more money at Christmas than ever before. “Millenials” aged between 18 and 34 are predicted to splash out £153m for food and another £123m on booze.
Paul Lockstone, from Barclaycard, said: “Not only are they prepared to provide food and drink, but also a beautiful tablescape, hours of entertainment and fun favours to create a cracker of a day.”