Drinks sales remain behind pre-Covid-19 levels, data finds

Drinks sales in England were 10% down on 2020 levels week, ahead of a “much-needed” lift to the sector from the easing of covid-19 restrictions, CGA disclose.

CGA’s Drinks Recovery Tracker revealed average drinks sales by value in Britain’s managed pubs, bars and restaurants in the week to 22 January were 11% below the same week in 2020.

It extends a “tough period” for the licensed sector, after shortfalls of 18% and 12% in the first two weeks of 2022—though these were an improvement on a 25% drop in the last three weeks of 2021.

The association said there is “cautious confidence” that drinks sales may pick up after Plan B restrictions were eased in England. The end of mandatory Covid-19 passes for nightclubs and big events “should” give a boost to the late-night sector in particular.

Across Britain, the report displayed sales were well below pre-Covid-19 levels on every weekday, with instructions to work from home denting after-work drinking occasions.

CGA’s breakdown of drinks categories shows spirits sales were exactly flat compared to the same week in 2020, however, beer and cider (down 13%), wine (down 18%) and soft drinks (down 12%) were all well behind.

Jonathan Jones, CGA’s managing director, UK and Ireland, said: “It’s been a very challenging start to 2022 in the hospitality sector, further weakening drinking-out businesses that suffered a collapse in sales over Christmas.

“We can be optimistic that the end to Plan B restrictions will encourage consumers to get back to pubs, bars and restaurants over the next few weeks, and kickstart what will hopefully be a much brighter year.”