Sunday’s Euro 2024 final is expected to be a significant boost for pubs, supermarkets, and airlines, with the entire nation tuning in to watch the Three Lions face Spain.
Pub landlords anticipate pulling an additional 10 million pints from the pre-match build-up through to the extended 1 am closing time.
According to the British Beer and Pub Association, this surge in activity will generate an extra £48 million for pubs as England pursues Euro glory against Spain.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is expected to pass a bill under section 172 of the Licensing Act 2003, allowing for extended licensing hours due to the event’s “exceptional national significance.”
Former Tory Home Secretary James Cleverly initially proposed the measure in the event that England reached the final.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA, said: “On what promises to be a hugely exciting day for the country, we expect an incredible 10 million extra pints to be poured in our pubs this Sunday to toast England’s Euros final.
“A huge £48 million in additional trade for pubs and breweries will be generated by fans across the nation.
“As with the semi-finals, pubs will be licensed to stay open until 1 am on Sunday, giving fans even more time to enjoy the game, support our pubs, and hopefully celebrate football finally coming home.”
Shops are also adjusting their closing hours to accommodate the football fever.
Lidl announced that its 800 UK stores will open an hour later at 9 am on Monday to allow staff to recover from the excitement (or disappointment) of the final.
Sainsbury’s will close its convenience stores and petrol stations early so employees can watch the game, while Tesco has stated it will close its Express stores if England reaches the final.
Airlines are also adding extra flights to transport fans to the game in Berlin.
British Airways is increasing its capacity to the German capital by 30%, Ryanair has scheduled two additional return flights, and all twelve of easyJet’s flights from airports around the country are already fully booked.
