England ‘must win’ to help troubled pubs stay open

PUBS need England to win the World Cup quarter final, industry chiefs have said amid hopes it will give the struggling sector a £26billion boost.

The British Beer and Pub Association hopes the 7pm kick-off today for the Three Lions’ clash with France in Qatar will see punters visit their local watering hole early.

A total of 28 million pints are expected to be drunk in England’s pubs for the game and the body believes it can bring the sector £26billion.

Emma Mcclarkin, the chief executive of the association, said: “This match’s Saturday-night slot will hopefully deliver good trade for pubs, with people able to head to their local early to secure a spot and cheer on the Three Lions.

“The World Cup has been providing a boost to beer sales and if England manage to see off France this will hopefully continue. Pubs need this as they continue to weather what was already set to be a difficult winter, with rising energy costs and the cost of living crisis and their outlook further dampened by news of rail strikes over the usually busy festive period.

“Whilst the tournament won’t be able to make up for an extremely difficult trading environment, we’re hoping it will at least provide some short-term uplift to the industry and continue to lift the spirits of the nation.”

Kate Nicholls, the chief executive of Ukhospitality, said the “World Cup boost” still exists, with early data showing food and drink sales in pubs are up 11 per cent so far.

“The World Cup always provides our pubs with a boost as football fans flock to the local to cheer on their country and pubs have been welcoming in fans from the winter weather to provide warm sanctuary to watch.”