England's pubs and bars are bracing for a 'pubaggedon' today as Three Lions fans prepare for a day of heavy drinking ahead of the crunch World Cup match against Panama. The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) predicts that an extra 4.5 million pints will be sold, generating a revenue boost of £22.5 million.
Record Numbers Expected
Pub owners and managers are readying for record numbers of punters looking to drink before the 10pm kick-off. Some fans told the Daily Star they plan to be in the pub for up to 12 hours. The final group stage game coincides with sunny weather and payday for most people, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Martin Shiels, manager of the Scolt Head Pub in North London, admitted his boozer is preparing for 'chaos and carnage'. He said: 'We're expecting a mammoth day, especially if the weather stays as it is. The first game was chaos and now we think this one will be carnage too, especially being a weekend game where most have no work the next day.'
Preparations Underway
Shiels explained that the pub has been preparing for weeks, ordering extra beer and even closing its restaurant to make room for another screen. England fan Ambrose Norman, 21, told the Star he would be in the pub from '5am minimum' if possible, hoping to drink all day. Some fans are even planning specialised boozing trips abroad, with Olly White, 22, flying to Benidorm for the match.
Industry Impact
BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin said: 'Even with the slightly later kick-off time, we're predicting that pubs across the UK will sell an extra 4.5 million pints, with fans thirsty for a quality match.' She called on the government to support pubs by cutting beer duty to keep pints affordable.
