On-trade outperforms off-trade when it comes to beer sales

The new UK ‘Beer Barometer’ shows pub beer sales slipped 3.4% in 2011, but off trade sales were down 3.7%
The figures, published by the British Beer & Pub Association, also revealed that the fall in beer sales has slowed. The fall in pub sales of 3.4% was the slowest rate of decline since 2004. This trend is also linked to a slowing in the rate of pub closures. It is the first time since 1996, when the European Championships were held in England, that the off-trade has put in a weaker performance than the on-trade.The BBPA believe it could be halted if the Government abandons damaging plans for yet-more, above-inflation rises in Beer Tax in the March Budget.
Brigid Simmonds, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, comments, “The decline in beer sales has slowed, but these figures show the sector cannot afford another round of inflation-busting, Beer Tax hikes in the Budget. This will delay any potential recovery in an iconic and economically vital British industry.”
She continues, “A change of course, giving brewers and pubs a chance to invest and expand their operations – could create over five thousand jobs in 2012 –which should be a great year for British beer and pubs with the Queen’s Jubilee, Euro 2012, the Olympics and Paralympics. These events could provide a real boost for the UK economy and boost employment – but this will only be possible if the Government reverses planned tax increases and damaging over-regulation.”
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UK Quarterly Beer Barometer Q4 2011

Category: News
Tags: BBPA, Beer Barometer, beer sales, off-trade, On-trade