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The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) says football fans in England will pay some of the highest duty rates of any World Cup nation, with 54p of duty included in every pint.
The World Cup is expected to generate £275m in additional revenue in beer sales alone, as the average pub is estimated to sell around 1,240 extra pints.
The association’s analysis found that other countries in England’s group pay significantly less, with Ghana levying a beer duty rate of 44p per pint. This is significantly above Panama and Croatia, which charge 13.8p and 12.6p per pint respectively, positioning England at the top of its group.
Despite predictions that the World Cup will significantly add to the economy, duty tax is an additional pressure for pubs across the country, which consistently tackle employment and energy costs.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA, said: “The World Cup will be an important boost for Britain’s pubs and brewers, bringing fans together in the nation’s living room. You simply cannot beat the cheers from a packed pub, a perfectly poured pint in hand, and the electric atmosphere as matches unfold.
“Pubs are the best places for community spirit and celebration, and I’d urge everyone to support their locals this summer and head to the pub to watch the matches and make memories.”
She added: “The government can further support our pubs and brewers by cutting beer duty to the European average so we can keep a pint affordable for all.”
The BBPA said it is committed to working with the government to establish a long-term plan to deliver permanently lower bills, cut beer duty and VAT, and reduce the regulatory burden pubs face.
