A proposal to establish a new bank holiday in June, aligning with Trooping the Colour, is gaining traction as business groups highlight its potential to stimulate consumer spending and support key sectors. Industry leaders argue the move would benefit hospitality, retail, and tourism, offering a tangible boost to economic activity while honouring national tradition.
The British Beer and Pub Association estimates that designating the King’s official birthday weekend as a bank holiday could generate up to £32 million for pubs alone. This would include the sale of an additional 6.5 million pints, contributing £5.5 million in VAT and £3 million in beer duty to the Treasury. The figures suggest a significant return across multiple industries, with wider community engagement and increased footfall expected in local high streets and hospitality venues.
The proposal also coincides with broader calls for a long-term support strategy for British pubs and small businesses, including reforms to beer duty and business rates. As the government considers public sentiment and economic drivers, the suggestion of a three-day weekend in June is being positioned not just as a symbolic gesture but as a strategic economic lever for post-pandemic recovery and growth.
