Euro fever fuels bookings at Fullers' pubs, CEO says
13/06/2024 10:54
June 13 (Reuters) - UK's Fuller Smith & Turner FSTA.L
is seeing a jump in advance bookings at its pubs for the next
four weeks as Britons gear up to cheer England and Scotland at
the European football championship, CEO Simon Emeny told Reuters
on Thursday.
The Euros will kick off on June 14 and pubs across the UK
are prepping for matches as Britons are expected to throng the
establishments and cheer for England to lift the cup for the
first time.
"People like to have tables, they like to have a meal, they
like to pre-order drinks, and therefore we are seeing a big
increase in bookings," Emeny said, without elaborating.
"But clearly it's very dependent on England performing
well."
Fullers, among the top pub groups in the UK, has bought new
televisions, especially for its garden pubs, as fans prefer
watching the games outdoors, Emeny said.
The company, which operates premium pubs across the UK, is
expecting its city centre and suburban pubs to bustle more than
its rural establishments, he added.
Scotland will play the first game against Germany, the hosts
and three-time winners, on Friday.
The British government will extend pub timings until 1
am for the semi-finals or final, if England or Scotland qualify.
(Reporting by Radhika Anilkumar in Bengaluru; Editing by Sonia
Cheema)
((Radhika.Anilkumar@thomsonreuters.com;))