The decline in pub sales has slowed, says BBPA

27th April 2011, 8:30am

Beer sales fell by 3.8% in the first quarter of 2011 compared with the same period last year, according to the latest UK Quarterly Beer Barometer published by the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA).

Both the on and off-trade showed a decline of 3.8%, and the decline of sales in pubs has slowed, following an 8.8% fall in the same period in 2010 – the lowest first quarter decline since 2005.

The BBPA hopes the good weather at Easter, and the extended bank holiday season may help the second quarter figures, as people flock to pubs to enjoy the Royal Wedding and the sunshine.

Brigid Simmonds, BBPA chief executive, commented: "Taken together, the fall in sales, and the impact of the Budget shows sales in the sector are still fragile. However, the on-trade's performance relative to the off trade has improved  - and  quarter two will be helped by the bank holiday bonanza and the good weather.

"While it's a pity that any recovery will be undermined by the huge tax hike, we still must make the most of the bank holiday season, and enjoy a celebratory beer or two in the nation's pubs in the coming days."

Related Articles:

• 10 May 2012 - JD Wetherspoon joins BBPA membership
• 23 Jan 2012 - Beer sales continued to decline in 2011, finds latest UK Beer Barometer
• 14 Dec 2011 - New BBPA chairman appointed
• 18 Jul 2011 - BBPA introduces unit awareness poster campaign
• 04 May 2011 - New director of public affairs at British Beer & Pub Association
• 24 Mar 2011 - BBPA calls for clarity on beer tax escalators
• 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
• 29 Jul 2009 - Beer sales are beginning to improve, says BBPA
• 06 Aug 2008 - BBPA comments on alcohol policy
• 15 Feb 2008 - BBPA proposes tax freeze on beer

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