BARS across Scotland could be given a boost after a trial of a new beer tap from Tennent’s saw a 4.4 per cent boost in pint sales in 150 pubs involved in a trial, writes Kevin Scott.

If applied across the entire Tennent’s estate, the uplift would equate to an estimated 4.4 million extra pints and £13.7m through the tills of Scotland’s beleaguered pubs if every Tennent’s pouring outlet took on the new font.

The company estimates that 8,300 fonts will be installed in pubs, clubs and restaurants across Scotland by the end of the year.

The new look beer tap is customisable, with operators having the option to select from a range of sleeves featuring a range of Tennent’s artwork. Tennent’s said 96 per cent of licensees said they had positive feedback from their customers.

In a first for the trade, it allows the company to tailor how Tennent’s is represented on the bar to each type of outlet.

David Cowan, owner of the Tam O’Shanter Inn in Ayr, said: “We’ve definitely noticed an increase in pints of Tennent’s Lager being sold since receiving it, which has been a huge benefit to the business.”

Alan Hay, on-trade sales director at Tennent’s, said: “It’s been great to hear the positive feedback from customers and consumers on how much of a talking point it’s become in bars and how instantly recognisable the founts are for the brand.

“Supporting the on-trade and helping drive money into the tills of our customers will always be a priority for us and the new fount has certainly delivered on that score.”