Pubs thas seen a drop in Christmas bookings according to new research from BBPA, the British Beer and Pub Association.
According to its report, much of this fall in bookings in what is usually the sector's busiest period is due to a change in working habits, with people increasingly working from home.
However, some of the larger pub chains such as Marston's PLC (LSE:MARS), Mitchells & Butlers PLC (LSE:MAB) and Loungers PLC (AIM:LGRS) have all said in recent weeks that bookings have remained strong.
Despite this, many pubs are likely to receive a boost thanks to the Winter World Cup.
Data from CGA Strategy reminded readers that major sporting events have an influence on drinks consumption and consumer in pubs.
So far this year, 33% of consumers said that they watch sports ‘On Premise,’ while 32% said they do so at least once a week.
Almost one in seven people, or 14%, will visit pubs to watch major crowd-pulling events, such as World Cup games.
The CGA also said that “football is by the most popular sport, with more than two-thirds of consumers watching it in pubs and bars this year.”
Although beer gardens won’t be full of plastic pints launched everywhere in celebration of an England goal like the Russia 2018 World Cup, they can still “expect to generate good footfall” outside of the Christmas norm, said Black.