Drinks sales ‘edge back’ above pre-COVID-19 levels, CGA says

On Premise drinks sales in the week to last Saturday (20 November) edged 1% above the same week in 2019, CGA’s Drinks Recovery Tracker shows.

The association revealed it is the “first time” that average sales by value in Britain’s managed pubs, bars and restaurants have been in positive territory for six weeks, and follows two consecutive drops of 3%.

Combined with CGA data showing solid October trading for managed groups and buoyant delivery and takeaway sales, it raises hopes for a good festive period for the on premise.

Continuing a recent pattern, CGA said sales growth in Wales (18%) was much higher than in England, where trading was “virtually flat” and Scotland, where sales were 2% up on 2019.

Across Britain, Sunday (14 November) was the strongest day of the week with growth of 8%

Jonathan Jones, CGA’s managing director, UK and Ireland, said: “After weeks of sales falling just short of pre-pandemic levels, it is pleasing to be reporting growth. 

“Pubs, bars and restaurants face a host of operational and cost pressures, and consumer confidence remains fragile, but we can be quietly confident that many people will be ready to spend in the on premise over Christmas—and more stellar sales figures for spirits suggests that many of them will be doing so with cocktails.”