Pubs are enjoying a welcome sales surge this May, with an estimated 14 million extra pints  poured thanks to two bank holidays and VE Day celebrations, according to new figures from the British Beer and Pub Association.

The bumper boost is projected to deliver an additional £69m to the economy as pubgoers make the most of extended opening hours and warmer weather. VE Day alone may have added up to one million pints in sales, helped by licensing hours being extended to 1am.

This seasonal uplift comes at a crucial time for the sector, which is facing significant financial pressures. The BBPA says April’s steep increase in taxes and fees is costing the industry an extra £853m.

“Many of us chose our local pub, a home away from home, as the perfect location to spend the sunny long weekends and to celebrate VE Day,” commented Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA. “These figures demonstrate how vital such occasions are to our sector, which is battling new costs including higher business rates bills, unfair and chaotic packaging fees, and soaring new employment costs.”

The BBPA is calling on the Government to ease the financial burden by reforming business rates, reviewing extended producer responsibility (EPR) fees, and addressing employment-related costs to help the sector continue to drive growth and support local jobs.