England’s World Cup Fever: A Brewing Storm in the Nation’s Pubs

The village of Thundersley, 40 miles east of London, will be packed with cheering crowds as England takes on Argentina in the World Cup semifinals. Behind the scenes, pub owners like Steve Haslam are counting down the pints – literally. His Bread and Cheese pub stands to make an extra £7,000 to £9,000 from the World Cup alone.

This phenomenon is not unique to the Bread and Cheese. According to UKHospitality, 5.5 million extra pints were sold during the group stages. The British Beer and Pub Association expects Wednesday’s match against Argentina to be the most successful night of the tournament so far. Emma McClarkin, CEO of the association, estimates that around 6 million extra pints could be sold on this one evening alone.

The figures are staggering, but they also mask a more serious issue: the struggling state of England’s pubs. In recent months, 161 pubs have closed across Britain, with almost two closing every day. High business rates and taxes are major contributors to this trend, according to the British Beer and Pub Association.

As Steve Haslam notes, “margins are getting squeezed because it is a tough time for pubs right now.” The government’s response has been half-hearted at best. Relaxing licensing laws for England’s second-round match against Mexico was a welcome move, but lawmakers must do more to protect the industry. Fairer business rates and less tax on food and drink would support struggling pub owners like Haslam.

However, even with these measures, the long-term prospects for pubs remain uncertain. The British Beer and Pub Association describes the government’s 15% discount on business rates as “vital but temporary.” It’s a Band-Aid solution that won’t address the deeper structural problems facing the industry.

Ash Corbett-Collins, chairman of CAMRA (the Campaign for Real Ale), argues that pubs make significant contributions to local economies and social well-being. He warns that unless meaningful support is given, more and more pubs will close. The Treasury’s spokesperson claims that the government is backing the hospitality industry with various measures, including cutting taxes on family attractions and kids’ meals this summer.

But these initiatives seem more like gestures than genuine attempts at reform. As England’s World Cup run continues to captivate the nation, it’s worth remembering the fragile state of its pubs. While Wednesday’s match may see a record-breaking number of pints sold, it won’t solve the industry’s long-term problems. A more sustainable solution is needed – one that addresses the root causes of pub closures and supports these vital social hubs.

The great British pub is indeed at the heart of the country. It’s time for lawmakers to put their money where their mouths are. As Steve Haslam so eloquently puts it, “pubs have changed my life.”