Pub and brewery bosses say high inflation needs to be tackled as consumers will turn their backs on pubs.

According to the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) sunny weather is good for sales but high inflation is wiping out the benefit of the warmer temperatures.

According to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) issued last year, beer drinkers will be worst affected, with the price up by nine per cent in the last 12 months.

BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin said: “Warmer weather has been driving sales for pubs and breweries, but the fact remains that, without inflation falling, profits are wiped out and our sector has little to no opportunity for growth.

“These figures are worrying because while the public has been supporting British pubs and breweries it’s clear that purse strings will be tightened once again in the coming months and UK businesses will be impacted by that.

“Our industry supports jobs, livelihoods and communities in every single part of the country, but stagnant inflation is holding us back from our full potential.

“We need the government to face the reality that inflation is still incredibly high and the critical impact this has on both consumers and the businesses they choose to spend their money with.”