Late kick-offs could cost UK pubs nearly £200m this summer

This summer’s big football tournament should be a goldmine for Britain’s pubs. Tournaments usually mean packed bars, flowing pints, and a real boost in takings for independent locals. But that’s not how things are shaping up.

Newly commissioned research from Simply Business reveals a worrying trend. Around 1.1 million fewer people are expected to watch a game at the pub this summer. The result? Independent pubs could miss out on as much as £197m in revenue.

So what’s keeping fans on their sofas? And what does it mean for the publicans already battling rising costs? Here’s what the research found.

Why are fewer Brits watching football at the pub this summer?

Late kick-offs are the biggest factor. And while the UK government announced pubs could stay open until 1am to show England and Scotland games, our research shows just how much match timings affect where fans choose to watch.

More than a third (37%) of people planning to watch in the pub said they’d draw the line at games kicking off after 8pm. That figure rises sharply to over half (57%) for matches starting after 9pm. And nearly three-quarters (72%) said they wouldn’t head out for games kicking off past 10pm.

Money worries are also playing a part. Among those planning fewer pub visits:

• 35% said they’re actively cutting back on social spending
• 27% said they simply can’t afford to go to the pub as much as they used to

Put simply, later games and tighter budgets are a tough combination for pubs hoping for a tournament boost.

Research conducted by OnePoll UK on behalf of Simply Business in June 2026 surveying 2,000 respondents.

How much money could pubs lose this summer?

Independent pubs could collectively miss out on up to £197 million during the tournament, according to our research. That’s a significant blow for a sector already under real pressure.

Pubs often rely on big football tournaments to bring in extra footfall. When that doesn’t happen, the gap in takings can be hard to recover. For small, independent venues running on tight margins, every match matters.

The best seat in the house

We’ve launched The Best Seat in the House to rally the public behind their local pubs when they need it most.

The campaign officially kicked off at The Bricklayer’s Arms in Putney, London on 16 June 2026. We’re calling for you to pledge to watch a game at your favourite independent pub – and the pub with the most nominations wins a £5,000 prize.

It’s a simple way for football fans to give something back to the venues at the heart of their communities. A few clicks online could mean a real financial lifeline for someone’s local.

Why has Ray Parlour backed the campaign?

To support the launch, we teamed up with Arsenal icon Ray Parlour. Parlour previously co-owned his own pub and is a lifelong champion of community venues.

Speaking about the campaign, Parlour said: “Pubs and football go hand in hand. There’s nothing quite like being in your local, cheering on your team, and celebrating with friends and strangers alike over a last-minute winner.

“I know first-hand what it takes to keep a pub going and right now landlords are fighting harder than ever just to keep the doors open. Alongside other small businesses, these aren’t faceless organisations; they’re people who’ve put everything into serving their communities and they need our support.”

For Parlour, the message is clear: “There’s no better place to watch the football than your local. It’s simply the best seat in the house.”

What do pub landlords say about the challenge ahead?

Chris Walsh, landlord at The Bricklayer’s Arms, knows the pressures first-hand. For Chris, running a pub goes far beyond pouring pints.

“Great independent pubs like ours are the absolute beating heart of their communities. There’s an unmatched magic when everyone gathers under one roof to cheer on a team and there’s nowhere quite like the pub during a massive summer of football.

“The reality is that the hospitality industry is facing an incredibly tough period ahead. Initiatives like Simply Business’s ‘The Best Seat in the House’ campaign are a lifeline, giving independent pubs a real boost right when they need it most. So, please go online and nominate your favourite pub – it would really mean the world.”

Why do independent pubs matter so much?

Independent pubs are more than places to grab a drink. They bring people together and support local economies across the country.

Julie Fisher, UK CEO of Simply Business, explained why the campaign matters: “Independent pubs play a unique role in society, contributing enormously to the strength of both our local communities and economy. With publicans usually seeing a boost in footfall during international football tournaments, this summer’s late kick-offs will prove another challenge for owners operating in a difficult environment.”

Fisher summed up the spirit of the campaign: “Character, community, charm – like all small businesses, independent pubs offer a unique experience that should be cherished. That’s why we’re reminding the British public that, this summer, the ‘best seat in the house’ really is at your local.”

What else is affecting UK pubs?

• Stolen pint glasses cost pub landlords millions
• Summer VAT cut: how small businesses can prepare
• Staff tips – rules for small businesses in 2026
• What are business rates? Small businesses prepare for revaluation