Beer sales slump 10% on wet summer and cuts fears
Total UK beer sales have slumped almost 10% in the third quarter of 2010, although pubs proved more resilient than supermarkets, a new survey has revealed.
The British Beer and Pub Association's ](http://www.beerandpub.com/)(BBPA) quarterly Beer Barometer showed that pub sales were down 7.8% - the equivalent of 88 million pints - compared with the same period the year before, while supermarket and off licence sales were down 12% - the equivalent of 112 million pints.
The BBPA blamed the post-World Cup sales slowdown, the wet summer weather, and growing uncertainty about spending cuts for the downward trend.
Brigid Simmonds, BBPA chief executive, said: "These figures reflect some particular and more prolonged pressures facing the sector. As has occurred after every World Cup, the beer market hit a bump in the road, which was not helped by a wet summer.
"But these exceptional factors are underlaid by lingering economic and consumer uncertainty. Concern about the impact of public spending cuts on jobs and incomes and the forthcoming VAT and beer tax rises are feeding that unease.
"It is clear that beer and pubs need a break. With Government reviews of licensing and alcohol taxation under way, there is now an opportunity for positive change. Independent forecasts show the potential for the hospitality sector to play a leading role in generating growth and jobs. Government is also looking to the private sector to step into the breach and create jobs following the spending review. It's time for Government to ease that path by lightening the regulatory and tax load which currently burdens the sector and is a brake on growth."
BBPA discusses Licensing Act concerns with Home Office officials >>
Brits drinking less, as new data shows biggest fall in consumption in 60 years >>
Beer tax reduction could create 30,000 jobs, says BBPA >>
By Neil Gerrard
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