Mixed Christmas for Luminar

Nightclub and bar operator Luminar had a mixed Christmas period, with its Jumpin' Jak bars failing to attract the punters in.

Like-for-like sales in Luminar's Entertainment division fell 8% in the five weeks to 2 January, primarily due to the continued sales decline at Jumpin' Jaks.

Operating profit at the company's Chicago Rock Café, also part of the entertainment division, was "strengthened" over the same period last year.

Despite a disappointing performance from its entertainment division, the company's dancing division boosted its like-for-like sales by 2.3%.

Overall, Luminar said year to date like-for-like sales at the company were 0.3% down.

The company's net debt is predicted to be in line or less than £120m by the year end.

Luminar had its entertainment division up for sale last year but took it off the market in July 2005 after a lack of interest.

Luminar entertainment division not for sale >>

Luminar reduces debt by more than £30m >>

By Chris Druce

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