The ALMR has reacted to the publication of beer statistics by repeating its call for action on operating costs that undermine pubs and bars.
Statistics published today by an industry body show on-trade beer sales declining by 2.2% in 2016 with off-trade sales rising by 0.17%. The ALMR has reiterated that the only way to begin addressing this imbalance is by tackling exorbitant property costs faced by pubs and bars.
ALMR Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said: “The fall in on-trade sales and the increase in off-trade sales once again highlights the huge and completely unfair disparity in operating costs for on and off-trade businesses.
“Pub and bars are still paying 18p per pint in rates compared to 2p per pint for supermarkets. If we are serious about addressing the continuing fall in the amount of on-trade beer sold compared to supermarkets, the only way we can do this is by tackling the property costs that uniquely affect pubs and bars.
“Tinkering about at the margins, striving for inconsequential reductions in duty rates has not, and will not, have any meaningful effect on the huge bills currently being shouldered by pubs and bars. Previous tactics to reduce costs for operators by passing on savings have failed. If the sector is serious about safeguarding venues, jobs and investment then it needs to address the crippling operating costs that are holding back pubs and bars and giving off-trade retailers such a massive head start.”
Ends
Leave a Reply