{"id":48660,"date":"2026-03-19T10:44:16","date_gmt":"2026-03-19T10:44:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/?post_type=knowledge&p=48660"},"modified":"2026-04-01T08:16:06","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T08:16:06","slug":"cost-of-pint-glass-theft","status":"publish","type":"knowledge","link":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/hospitality\/cost-of-pint-glass-theft\/","title":{"rendered":"Stolen pint glasses cost pub landlords millions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Over a third of Brits have \u201cborrowed\u201d a pint glass from a pub, according to new research from Simply Business. And while it may seem like harmless fun for punters, the scale adds up, costing pub landlords an estimated total of up to \u00a3133 million last year alone.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The British Beer and Pub Association<\/a> estimated that one pub would close every day in 2025. And this fresh insight shines a light on yet another challenge pubs face when it comes to fighting soaring operational costs to stay open. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Britain\u2019s most wanted pint glasses*<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The trend for pint glass fans to collect the most iconic glassware is made clear in a survey of over 2,000 adults in the UK. For those who admitted to taking a coveted goblet, Stella Artois came top for the best glass to swipe, closely followed by the Guinness glass. Meanwhile Carling and Peroni battled it out for third place.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Stella Artois\u2122 (20%)<\/strong> <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Guinness\u2122  (19%)<\/strong> <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Carling\u2122  (13%)<\/strong> <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Peroni\u2122  (13%)<\/strong> <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. San Miguel\u2122  (11%)<\/strong> <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Heineken\u2122  (10%)<\/strong> <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Foster\u2019s\u2122  (10%)<\/strong> <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Carlsberg\u2122  (9%)<\/strong> <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  9. Birra Moretti\u2122  (9%)<\/strong> <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  10. Corona\u2122  (9%)<\/strong> <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Which cities are the worst culprits? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    People in Cardiff are leading the way with 45% admitting to stealing a pint glass. This is closely followed by punters in Belfast (44%) Glasgow (41%), and Manchester (40%). The London population showed the most restraint, with only 31% saying they\u2019ve nabbed a glass.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Among those who\u2019ve taken glasses, there\u2019s some clear preferences for specific brands. It’s unsurprising Carling is the preferred choice for the West Midlands (24%) \u2013 the home of its brewery. Scots appear to have a soft spot for a Birra Moretti chalice (23%), while Londoners favour Guinness (30%), Heineken (24%), and Stella Artois (20%). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u2018Let\u2019s call time on the great pint glass heist\u2019 <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Julie Fisher, UK CEO at Simply Business, said: <\/strong>\u201cPubs play a unique role in society, contributing enormously to the strength of both our local communities and economy, and we\u2019re proud to provide insurance for over 1,000 across the UK. Yet they’re under threat, with a cocktail of serious headwinds resulting in an alarming rate of closures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    “With costs spiralling for small businesses across the board, the last thing pub landlords need is another bill \u2013 yet our research has revealed the estimated up to \u00a3133m hit they face each year due to stolen pint glasses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    “While for some this may seem like a minor offence, we’d urge punters to think twice. Let\u2019s call time on the great pint glass heist \u2013 show appreciation for your favourite glassware, and your local landlord, by leaving empty handed next time you visit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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