Pundits are predicting a huge increase in pub sales this Sunday, as English football fans head out en masse to watch their national side face Spain in the tournament’s final.
Trade body UKHospitality reckoned that the final will deliver a 50% increase in sales in venues showing the game, nicely topping off the hospitality windfall generated by the tournament overall, which is variously reported as being in excess of £800m or even approaching £1billion.
In England, fans will also benefit from the extended licensing hours put in place for this Sunday, with licensed premises able to serve until 1am.
Chief Executive of UKHospitality, Kate Nicholls, said: “The Euros final this Sunday will be a momentous day for the country and our nation’s pubs and bars, which are set to see a sales boost of £120 million.
“Pubs will be packed to the rafters with fans cheering on the Three Lions and creating an unrivalled atmosphere, outside of being at the game in Berlin.
“With licensing hours already extended until 1am this Sunday, I hope fans will be able to take advantage to celebrate a historic victory for England.”
What the final will mean for Scotland’s pubs and bars is less easy to predict.
Some Scottish football supporters who might otherwise have watched the final in the pub may now choose to stay at home – while others might adopt the default Tartan Army approach of aligning themselves with England’s opposition, and go out seeking venues with a Spanish-orientated offer.
