Cheers to bars

The economic and social impact of pubs and bars in five markets

This research, conducted by Oxford Economics in partnership with AB InBev, examines the economic and social contribution of bars and pubs across five markets: the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Mexico, and South Korea. Combining economic impact analysis with survey evidence, the study quantifies the sector’s contribution to employment, GDP, and tax revenues; while also exploring the role bars play in social connection, shared experiences, and community life.

Across the markets studied, bars support more than 2 million jobs, generate more than $125 billion in Gross Value Added contribution to GDP, and contribute over $40 billion in tax revenues. In addition, we estimate that bars generate around $4.9 billion in annual social value across the five markets, based on individuals’ willingness to pay to maintain access to these venues.

Drawing on a survey of around 1,000 bar going consumers in each country, the report examines how and why people use bars today—from routine socializing to significant personal and cultural moments. Across markets, the findings show a clear pattern: 77% of respondents agree or strongly agree that bars help bring people together by creating a shared atmosphere, 72% agree or strongly agree that they make a positive local economic contribution, while three in five have celebrated a milestone in a bar. Together, these findings highlight the central role bars play in bringing people together and supporting social connection, while regional differences shape bar culture in the different markets:

In the United States, bars are seen as local institutions that matter for both economic activity and community life, with visits oriented around socializing more so than professional interaction; 59% of respondents typically visit with friends.
In the United Kingdom, pubs and bars stand out as shared community assets, with strong public support; 74% of respondents agreeing or strongly agreeing that it is important for local government to support local pubs and bars.
In Brazil, bars play a central role in social life, characterized by frequent and longer visits, and a high prevalence of spontaneous interactions and relationship building; 40% of respondents say they often or always have unplanned social interactions at bars, the highest among the five markets.
In Mexico, bars are a key setting for staying connected, with regular visitation, extended time spent in venues, and strong reported wellbeing benefits; 68% of respondents report that a typical bar visit lasts more than two hours.
In South Korea, bars are deeply embedded in both social and professional life, serving as a primary venue for socializing and networking; 93% of respondents say bars are either the main way or a regular way they socialize, the highest share across the markets.

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AB InBev Economic impact Pubs and bars

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The experts behind the research

Dan Martin

Lead Economist, Economic Impact

Dan Martin

Lead Economist, Economic Impact

Dan Martin is a Lead Economist on the Economic Impact Consulting team. During his eleven years at Oxford Economics, Dan has worked on a wide range of topics, including economic footprint analyses in industries such as petroleum refining, air transportation, nuclear energy, consumer goods, and industrial trucks.

Much of his work has focused on labor markets, on topics such as overtime regulation, career progression, retirement savings, and gap analyses relating occupational demand to educational supply. He has also worked on topics such as energy efficiency, international trade, and the economics of warehousing.

Dan has a PhD in economics from Clark University, an MA from NYU, and a BS from Stanford, and previously worked at the Environmental Protection Agency.
Christopher Warner

Associate Director, Economic Impact

Christopher Warner

Associate Director, Economic Impact

Chris Warner joined Oxford Economics in 2022 as an Associate Director, in the Economic Impact team.

Since joining Oxford Economics, he has been involved in numerous high-profile economic impact studies in a number of sectors, including tech and digital media.

Prior to joining Oxford Economics, Chris worked in the economics department of the British Business Bank, and for economic consulting firm Simetrica-Jacobs, where he specialised in cost-benefit analysis and impact evaluation. He has an MSc in International Economics & Economic Policy from Goethe University Frankfurt.
Hamilton Galloway

Head of Consultancy, Americas

Hamilton Galloway

Head of Consultancy, Americas

Hamilton Galloway joined Oxford Economics in 2014 as Head of US Consultancy - a team focused heavily on developing quality, customized research, analysis and impact modeling services for a range of private and public organizations. Prior to joining Oxford Economics, Mr. Galloway worked nearly seven years as an economist, senior consultant and manager at Economic Modeling Specialists Int (EMSI), a data and analytic company based in the US.

Mr. Galloway's work included building a consultancy presence in the US, conducting bespoke economic and labour market research and engaging public and private sector clients. In 2013/14 he lived and worked in the UK as a senior consultant, focusing on developing data-driven, decision-making analytics and reports for use across public entities and education. He has authored numerous reports, publications, as well as economic development user guides and even a textbook chapter.