Mitchells & Butlers defies Scottish winter with positive pub sales growth

The Scottish winter has not been ruinous to pub operators as many critics of the country's smoking ban feared, according to new figures from Mitchells & Butlers.

In the 16 weeks to 20 January like-for-like sale growth remained positive at the pub group's sites in Scotland, a head 0.4% on the previous year. During this period like-for-like food sales increased 5% while drinks sales fell 2%.

Mitchells & Butlers said since the introduction of the smoking ban in enclosed public places last March cumulative like-for-like sales remain 1.3% up.

Earlier this week rival Greene King reported that its Belhaven business in Scotland had faired better than it had expected, with pubs with outside areas doing well.

Greene King also reported an increase in food sales and a drop in drinks sales. Overall Belhaven retail sales in the 36 weeks to 7 January were 2.8% down on the same period a year ago.

Mitchells & Butlers said that its residential located pubs had outperformed those on the high street during the period with like-for-like sales up 4.6% compared with 2.7% on the high-street. Group food sales growth was 7.2% ahead of last year.

Greene King trading boosted by hot summer >>

For more news on the smoking ban click here >>

Mitchells & Butlers spends £7m to fend of unwanted attention >>

Mitchells & Butlers sells group of community pubs for more than £100m >>

Food sales soar at Mitchells & Butlers' Scottish pubs >>

By Chris Druce

E-mail your comments to Chris Druce here.

Get your copy of Caterer and Hotelkeeper every week -