New figures from the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) have revealed a slump in beer sales in the UK. The first quarter of 2009 saw an 8 per cent drop in sales on the previous year – the highest first quarter fall in twelve years. Sales in pubs, bars and restaurants were down by 6.3 per cent, equating to 68 million fewer pint sales. Worse, and more surprising news, was to be found for the off-trade sector, as despite customers’ preference to drink more cheaply at home in the current economic climate, supermarket and off-license beer sales fell by 11 per cent.
The news comes just a week after the chancellor’s budget announcement which included a 2 per cent increase in alcohol duty. The falling sales will hit government revenue hard, with the tax raised on beer down by £17 million in January and February compared with the same period in 2008, despite duty increases.
The BBPA claim the results support their campaign for the government not to raise alcohol duty further, claiming it is dissuading people from drinking. The BBPA’s members account for 98 per cent of the beer brewed in the UK, including lagers .
Beer Sales Down in UK
Thu, 30 Apr 2009
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