Pubs expected to sell 90m pints during Jubilee weekend
Pubs and brewers are expecting a £105m boost in trade during the Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend, according to the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA).
The extra day off and the extension of opening hours until 1am on 2 June, 3 June and 4 June is predicted to see an estimated 90m pints sold, resulting in an expected £29m payback into the economy in duty and VAT.
Pubs across the UK will also be serving a specially brewed ‘Thank Brew', which will be sold to raise money for charity as either a 3.5% pale ale or a low-alcohol drink.
Jason Smith, a publican who runs the White Swan in Otley, West Yorkshire, said: "We are really looking forward to the Jubilee celebrations bringing our community together and are proud that our pub will be at the heart of that.
"We took a knock over the past two years, and Christmas restrictions were a real blow to our business, but this will be an opportunity to bounce back, so we're keeping fingers crossed for nice weather as well to lift spirits and celebrations even more!"
The BBPA has joined other leading trade organisations, as well as the Together Coalition, to call for the permanent implementation of a Platinum Jubilee-length bank holiday that will be dubbed ‘Thank Holiday' in recognition of the Queen's service year on year.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA, said: "The Platinum Jubilee weekend is set to be a joyous occasion for the whole country, and pubs are looking forward to leading celebrations in their communities across the country. Pubs have always been a place for people to come together and it's at special times like this that really shines through.
"Whether it's toasting a special brew for Her Majesty the Queen or joining a Jubilee BBQ at your local, we hope people will celebrate at the pub and show their support for two great British institutions."
The British Beer and Pub Association represents companies which together produce 90% of the beer sold in UK pubs.
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