Pub beer sales hit by credit crunch
The largest third-quarter fall in beer sales for ten years is reported by the UK Quarterly Beer Barometer from the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA).
It says 161 million fewer pints were sold between July and September – a 7.2% decline, down 1.8 million pints a day – compared with the same period last year.
Sales in supermarkets and off-licences also fell 6% from July to September as the credit crunch and looming recession tighten their grip on British household budgets.
BBPA chief executive Rob Hayward said: "The accelerating decline in beer sales is a clear sign of a worsening economy, worried households and weakening spending. Sinking beer sales and the closing of a record five pubs a day is a barometer of the UK economic climate.
"Government needs to be looking to ease the constraints of the tax and regulatory burden on our sector. We’re not looking for a handout, just a hand-up."
Copyright © PA Business 2008
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