Pub company Greene King has reported a lower than expected fall in overall sales at Scottish pubs since the start of the smoking ban in March.

Greene King said today that its total like-for-like retail sales had fallen 2.4% in the 13 weeks to 30 July, which was better than it had expected.

The pub giant added that it had been encouraged by the strength of food sales at its Scottish boozers, which boded well for the future.

World Cup fever this summer helped the company’s managed pub division post like-for-like sales of 5% in the period, although like-for-like sales grew just 1% at its bigger leased and tenanted division, Pub Partners.

Hardys & Hansons approves Greene King aquisition terms >>

People moves: Hugh Maloney, business development manager, Greene King Pub Company >>

Greene King focuses on its food offer to balance smoking bans >>

By Chris Druce

E-mail your comments to Chris Druce here.

Get your copy of Caterer and Hotelkeeper every week - click here to subscribe and save 25%.