Beer Sales in Pub Have Slumped
Seven million fewer pints are being sold in British pubs when compared to the beer market in 1979. Supermarket, off-licence and homebrew sales have all increased while beer profit in the pubs have fallen by 49%, indeed beer sales in pubs are at their lowest since the 1930s.
Due to the bad harvest of barley and hops which were badly affected by this years summer downpours, beer prices could well increase again by as much as 15p a pint!
Most pubs have undergone a vast transformation in the recent years, many are leaning towards catering for diners alone and a pint of beer is not felt to be the standard drink while eating. Therefore, it seems that these days it’s a case of going out for a couple of hours to eat and instead of staying for the remainder of the evening, more are socialising at home.
ce the ban on smoking came into force this has added a further decline on smokers wanting to stay longer than necessary, while at the same time, non-smokers have returned, but again, not so much to drink, but more to dine.
Since 1997, tax on beer has increased by 27% compared to 16% for wine, 11% for cider and 3% for spirits. On this basis, the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has offered its support to the BBPA (British Beer & Pub Association) who have called for a freeze on beer taxes, which here in the UK has the highest level of excise duty in the EU!
Reduction in Drunk Driving
While drinking and driving seemed to be the normal in the 60s and 70s, this now is thankfully no longer acceptable and the slump of beer sales in country pubs have been linked to this.
We have changed our social habits ourselves. The ‘modern’ man is very much a family guy and the reduction in manual labour such as mine/pit workers who found a few pints took the taste of the coal dust away is more than likely one of the ‘key points’ in the decline of beer sales during the past 40 years.
It has to be said that although overall quantities are down, world lager categories and premium 4% lager brands are enjoying volume growth! Polish beers are among one of the most successful beers in recent years to be introduced to the UK.
According to the British Beer and Pub Association, beer is actually less fattening than wine and fruit juice. Beer has no fat or sugar, is approximately 96% water and made up of natural ingredients!
Beer in pubs may be on the decline, but we all still enjoy our ‘pint’ – its just a case of most of us prefer to socialise at home where we are comfortable, don’t have to worry about drive home and its less expensive.