Following the publication of industry statistics today, the ALMR has called on the Government to do more to ensure a level playing field for the licensed hospitality sector.
The figures show that, for the first time on record, beer sales in the off-trade exceed those in the on-trade with alcohol sales in the off-trade making up nearly 70% of all sales.
ALMR Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said: “The publication of statistics today indicates that, while the licensed hospitality sector is in good health, pubs and bars continue to face enormous financial burdens and there is a huge disparity between the on and off-trade.
“The ALMR has continually campaigned for a fairer, more flexible market for the on-trade and the publication of these figures proves there is room to lessen the weight currently being shouldered by the trade.
“High employment costs and property taxes combine to make pubs and bars uncompetitive which pushes customers towards unregulated off-trade alcohol. If the Government is serious in its aim of promoting both tourism and business in the UK as well as tackling alcohol-related health harms, it needs to ensure a level playing and a fairer deal for the licensed hospitality sector.”
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