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BBPA predicts ‘quietest Christmas’ on record

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has revealed it expects the “quietest Christmas” on record this year for struggling pubs.

The BBPA has released figures which showed that over the festive period, 39 million fewer pints and five million fewer Christmas dinners will be enjoyed in pubs from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day.

The trade association predicts that during this period, only 2.6 million pints and 830,000 Christmas dinners will be served in pubs. On a normal Christmas, it would usually expect as many as 41 million pints and 6 million Christmas dinners to be served.

BBPA said the figures reflect the overall impact that the government’s tier restrictions are having on pubs. The recently announced additional tiers have forced 85% of British pubs to either close or be unable to trade viably due to tier two and three restrictions.

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Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said: “This Christmas will be the quietest year on record for our pubs.

“The current restrictions were devastating enough but now with the introduction of tier four and a tightening of the rules over Christmas, consumer confidence will be hit further, leading to cancellations and greater financial woes for pubs and brewers. As the heart of the community year-round, but especially at Christmas time, it is such a shame our pubs will be so quiet or closed this Christmas.”

She added: “After such a difficult and challenging year, we all deserve to make the most of the Christmas break with the chance to safely enjoy a drink with family and friends at our local. Especially as our pubs need all the support they can get right now.

“The Government has to recognise the damage that has been done, and do more to secure the future of pubs. That means grant support for pubs like those in Wales, which are as much as four times higher than for pubs in England facing similar restrictions. Failure by the Government to do this would be failing communities across the country whose local is vital to their wellbeing.”

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