Beer sales continued to decline in 2011, finds latest UK Beer Barometer

23rd January 2012, 8:41am

New figures released today show UK beer sales continued to fall in 2011, although at a slower rate than in previous years, according to the latest UK ‘Beer Barometer’, released by the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA).

The BBPA said this decline could be halted - and thousands of jobs saved - if the Government abandons damaging plans for yet-more, above-inflation rises in Beer Tax in the March Budget.

Pub sales declined by 3.4% in 2011, the slowest rate since 2004, but which represents 139 million fewer pints enjoyed in British pubs – a trend also linked to a slowing in the rate of pub closures, which are closely linked to the trend in beer sales.

Total beer volumes fell by 3.5%. The BBPA estimates this has led to an estimated 9,000 jobs disappearing from the sector in 2011 – mostly in Britain's pubs. 

Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, commented: "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.

"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."

Related Articles:

• 24 Dec 2011 - BBPA launches unit awareness campaign
• 25 Oct 2011 - Pubs remain hardest hit by beer tax rises, says BBPA
• 18 Jul 2011 - BBPA introduces unit awareness poster campaign
• 04 May 2011 - New director of public affairs at British Beer & Pub Association
• 27 Apr 2011 - The decline in pub sales has slowed, says BBPA
• 24 Mar 2011 - BBPA calls for clarity on beer tax escalators
• 16 Mar 2011 - A total of 25 pubs are closing every week, says BBPA
• 02 Jun 2010 - BBPA issues guidance to pubs for World Cup
• 21 May 2010 - Pub beer sales drop by 8.8%, says BBPA
• 01 Mar 2010 - BBPA produces guide for pubs during British Tourism Week
• 04 Feb 2010 - Pubs are still closing but at a slower rate, says BBPA
• 28 Jan 2010 - Beer sales could be improving, says BBPA
• 31 Aug 2009 - BBPA publishes statistical handbook
• 10 Mar 2009 - BBPA chief steps down after 10 years
• 19 Sep 2008 - BBPA chief hits back at sweeping generalisations
• 06 Aug 2008 - BBPA comments on alcohol policy
• 15 Feb 2008 - BBPA proposes tax freeze on beer
• 19 Nov 2007 - BBPA midlands elects new chairman

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