England team ‘saved’ night-time sector, industry boss says after Euros defeat

The England football team “inadvertently saved our sector”, a night-time industry leader has said after the squad’s Euro 2024 final defeat.

Spain claimed a 2-1 win while the Three Lions fell at the last hurdle for a second European Championship final in succession.

Fans had descended on pubs, bars and other venues across the country on Sunday after Gareth Southgate’s rallying cry earlier in the day.

Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), said the extra support to the sector during the tournament had generated nearly £1 billion in additional revenue for local pubs and venues.

He added the industry has faced “immense challenges” in recent years but support from England fans had allowed venues “to momentarily set aside our daily struggles”.

“In doing so, they have inadvertently saved our sector, selling millions of pints throughout the tournament and generating nearly a billion in additional revenue for our local pubs and venues, which have faced immense challenges over the past four years.

“This tournament has taken us on an unforgettable journey, allowing us to momentarily set aside our daily struggles.

“This evening’s final has reignited a sense of national pride and reminded us of our values and passion.

“We hope this will be a pivotal moment that changes the nation’s mood and rekindles our spirit and desire to engage, socialise, and celebrate culture.”

British Beer and Pub Association chief executive Emma McClarkin had earlier said she expected “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,” she added.

The NTIA is an advocacy group which promotes the night-time economy in the UK, representing businesses including bars, clubs and cultural venues.