BBPA handbook reveals drop in UK alcohol consumption
The rise of bottled and canned beer sales over draught and the fall in UK alcohol consumption are two of the key trends highlighted in a new British Beer and Pub Association handbook.
The BBPA Statistical Handbook and HM Revenue and Customs figures found that alcohol consumption fell in 2008 from 9.2 litres per head of pure alcohol to 8.9 litres and is 6.1% lower than the all-time high of in 2004 (9.5 litres).
Interestingly, the guide found that the average price of a pint of beer in tenanted and leased pubs was the same as in independent pubs at £2.66, casting doubt on the argument put forward by beer tie opponents that the tie increases the cost of a pint.
David Long, acting chief executive for the BBPA, argued that the handbook confounded many beliefs surrounding trends in the UK drinks industry. "Year on year we are not drinking more nor is British beer getting stronger with two thirds of our beer at or below 4.2% strength, compared to the continental standard of 5%," he said.
According to the guide, the British also drink less than the French, Germans and Spanish, with Czechs drinking the most per head at 12.4 litres of alcohol.
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