Beer Sales Plummet In The UK

The United Kingdom is seeing their beer sales plummet, and on top of the accelerating number of their pubs closing, this has got to be sobering news.

According to the British Beer and Pub Association, beer in pubs, bars and restaurants have fallen by 3.6% in the third quarter compared to that same period in 2016.

The British Beer & Pub Association’s report notes that UK beer sales have fallen by their biggest margin in five years, and that current sales of beer in pubs, bars and restaurants are at their lowest point since 2012.

The Drinks Business is reporting that “beer sales were hit hard by a 3.9% tax hike in the 2017 March Budget,” and that the BBPA is on record and calling for a freeze on an “unsustainable” alcohol duty.

Brigid Simmonds, Chief Executive for the British Beer and Pub Association puts it this way…

“Beer has had a 39% tax rise in the past decade. With tax rates 14 times higher than in Germany, these levels are unsustainable. We need fair taxes for British beer, so that brewers and pub operators can invest in thriving pubs, and take advantage of new opportunities to export more beer around the world as we leave the EU.”

And she stressed that “urgent action from the Chancellor is needed” to prevent further damage to the industry.

Clash cover art credit: Epic Records