More than half (52%) of 18-24 year olds say socialising with friends or colleagues at the pub has a positive impact on their wellbeing, ahead of going to the gym or solo exercise (41%) and self-care (38%).
Almost half of 25-34 year olds agree, with pub socialising (49%) ranking ahead of the gym (44%) and self-care (43%) for its positive impact on their wellbeing.
The findings come as the Office for National Statistics identifies Gen Z as Britain’s loneliest age group, with 27% of 16 to 29-year-olds feeling lonely often, always or some of the time. Over a third of young pub-goers aged 18–24 (34%) visit specifically for activities like quizzes, live music and sport. This compares to 22% of all pub-goers polled. Nearly half of young pub goers polled (44%) say they have met new people at the pub, which the BBPA says is further evidence that the local brings people together.
With 51% of 18 to 24-year-olds pub goers planning a pub visit this Easter, the data shows the local pub is central to how young people choose to spend their time.
Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, said:
“This data speaks for itself. Young people are choosing the pub as the place where they feel less alone and more connected. The pub is providing social infrastructure that is impossible to replicate, and shows how vital they are for younger generations and our communities as a whole.
“But we cannot take it for granted, and every pub that closes takes away precious opportunities to build communities and fend off isolation with it. The Government must act on permanent business rates reform, duty and regulatory costs – not just to protect an industry, but to protect the social fabric that millions of young people are depending on.
“We’d urge people to join the Long Live The Local campaign so they can get behind the Great British pub and call for change that will help our treasured institutions.”
