THE VOICE OF BREWERS & PUBS
Influencing policy, informing debate, and shaping the future of the UK’s brewing and pub sector.
We represent brewers AND PUBS
Offering insight and policy expertise to government, political stakeholders, and the media to deepen understanding of the sector’s opportunities and challenges, and to shape the fiscal and policy framework needed for a thriving UK brewing and pub sector.


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Beer and pub sector supports almost 1 million jobs and delivers £37.8bn to UK economy
Sector’s economic footprint felt in every region, with each generating, on average, £3.2 billion in GVA and supporting, on average, of 81,800 jobs.

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Pubs as Social Infrastructure
Pubs are more than venues for alcohol. This report demonstrates how these embedded social institutions generate measurable wellbeing benefits for millions of people.

A Pint Under Pressure
The average pint now costs £5.01, but only a small fraction remains with the pub. Tax alone accounts for around £1 in every £3 spent in the pub, making brewing and pubs one of the most highly taxed business sectors in the UK. Rising wage costs, higher alcohol duty, energy bills, packaging charges and other regulatory costs continue to add pressure. After meeting these costs, the publican keeps just 12p on average from each pint sold, underlining the crushing pressures the sector is grappling with.
A Sector at a Crossroads
The steady decline in pub numbers is a warning sign for the long term health of the sector. Pubs are at the heart of communities, supporting local jobs, economic activity and tourism, yet continued cost pressures are making it harder for businesses to invest and plan for the future. Every closure represents the loss of a valued community place, weakens local high streets and hurts the fantastic workers who are the backbone of our sector.
An Industry Worth Backing
The pub and brewing sector supports almost one million jobs from grain to glass across the entirety of the UK as shown below, providing career opportunities and flexible employment. With around 45,000 pubs and 1,800 breweries spanning every constituency, the sector underpins local economies, supports tourism and serves as a vital part of community life. Together, pubs and brewers contribute £37.8 billion to the economy and generate £16.7 billion in tax revenues.
A thriving pub sector has the potential to deliver significant economic benefits, with just 2% annual growth capable of creating 100,000 jobs, generating more than £3 billion in economic activity and delivering an additional £1.8 billion in tax revenues.
What the BBPA is doing about it
The challenges facing pubs and brewers are significant, but so is the sector’s potential. Find out more about the BBPA’s work to support the industry, shape policy and drive growth, and learn how you can help make the case for a thriving pub and brewing sector.







