Pubs are braced for a Hoppy Easter as hardy Brits brave storms to head to their local for a Bank Holiday bevvy. Despite downpours and threats from Storm Dave, families are planning on packing out Britain’s 40,000 boozers.
Industry experts have predicted an additional 2.8million pints could be sank this weekend, bringing the total to 46.3 million. And boozers will net a £230million windfall from beer sales alone as punters flock to Britain’s pubs for roast lunches with family and friends.
Met Office forecasters have warned of strong winds, heavy rain and even snow in parts. But Brits are refusing to let the bad weather dampen their spirits.
Greg Mulholland, campaign director of the Campaign for Pubs said: “Easter weekend is always a good time for pubs and we hope people all over the UK will get out to the pub over the weekend despite mixed weather and Storm Dave.
“Pubs are wonderful when it’s sunny, but also wonderful when the weather is bad and the pub is warm, dry and welcoming!”
Kate Nicholls, Chair of UKHospitality, said: “The Easter boost is particularly important for hospitality businesses after the leaner first three months of the year, where trading slows down after Christmas and local venues continue to struggle with rising costs.
“I’d encourage everyone to support their local hospitality venue over the Easter break.”
The boost comes after a poll found a pint with pals is better for young people’s mental health than a gym session.
More than half of 18 to 24-year-olds say a pub visit with friends boosts their wellbeing, ahead of exercise and self-care, which were seen as beneficial by about four in ten, the British Beer and Pub Association survey found.
But experts warned despite record footfall, pubs’ face an uncertain future due to rising costs and tax hikes meaning the average boozer only making 12p profit for every £5 pint sold.
Greg added: “Pubs have just seen yet another cost hike as wages increase at the same time energy bills are spiralling and with a continued lack of support from government.
“If we want to continue to have pubs to support then it’s time for meaningful Government support and that should start with an emergency VAT cut to align hospitality VAT levels with many European countries”
Emma McClarkin, CEO of the BBPA, said: “It’s also important to remember that whilst footfall may seem high, many of our pubs are still having to battle with razor-thin profit margins.
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