Industry Analysis & Industry Trends
The British pub is an institution under threat. The Pubs and Bars industry has been faced with a difficult trading environment, which began with legislative changes that vastly increased operating costs and culminated in the crippling economic recession in late 2008. The ban on smoking in public places, increased alcohol duties (particularly on beer), food inflation and rising employment costs (due to increases in the minimum wage) proved challenging for industry operators. As if this was not enough, the economic downturn caused near-historic levels of unemployment and dramatic falls in consumer spending and confidence. This resulted in unprecedented levels of pub closures, with nearly seven pubs and bars shutting shop every day over 2008-09... purchase to read more
Industry Report - Industry Analysis Chapter
Along with much of the licensed hospitality sector, the Pubs and Bars industry has faced a challenging and sometimes turbulent decade. The crippling recession, starkly reminiscent of the Great Depression of the 1930s, has proven to be a major catalyst of change, prompting businesses to diversify their activities to accommodate changing times and customer needs. Even prior to the economic malaise, pubs and bars experienced a difficult trading environment due to the smoking ban, alcohol duty, food inflation and increases in the minimum wage. These have resulted in a large number of closures, with nearly 52 pub closures per week in the first six months of 2009. However, some pubs have managed to remain resilient despite these impediments, such as those in tourist and student areas... purchase to read more