Sunday’s Euro 2024 is shaping up to be a bonanza for pubs, supermarkets and airlines with the whole nation expected to watch as the Three Lions play Spain on Sunday.
Landlords estimate an extra 10 million pints will be pulled from the pre-match build-up through to the extended 1 am closing bell.
That will translate into an extra £48 million for pubs on Sunday as the Three Lions seek Euro glory against Spain said the British Beer and Pub Association.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is expected to pass a bill under section 172 of the Licensing Act 2003, allowing for a relaxation of licensing hours under “exceptional national significance” circumstances.
Former Tory Home Secretary James Cleverly initially proposed the measure if 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 too are changing their closing hours to cope with the outbreak of football fever.
Lidle said its 800 UK shops will open an hour later at 9 am on Monday to allow staff to get over the elation (or disappointment) of the final.
Sainsbury’s is to close its convenience shops and petrol stations early to allow employees to watch the game while Tesco has already said it would close its Express stores if England went the distance.
Airlines meanwhile are putting on extra flights to carry fans to the game in Berlin.
British Airways is boosting its capacity by 30^% to the German capital, Ryanair has put on two extra return flights while easyJet’s twelve flights from airports around the country are already all fully booked.