Pubs set for Christmas boost?
Consumers are planning to spend 18% more in pubs and restaurants this Christmas than last year, according to a new survey.
The survey, by business advisory firm Deloitte, said people were planning to spend an average of £143 on going out over the festive season.
That would mean a £6.8bn boost for the pub and restaurant sector - up £1bn on last year.
And Deloitte claims the smoking ban will help attract more families.
Our research suggests the ban has encouraged rather than deterred consumers from eating out this ChristmasGlyn BuntingDeloitte
However, the pub trade may well be sceptical of this research.
A recent MorningAdvertiser.co.uk poll revealed that 55% of licensees had received less Christmas bookings than the year before. A further 20% said the level of bookings was the same as last year.
Walkabout operator Regent Inns also issued a profit warning this week and Greene King warned that it faced a challenging winter despite posting record first half year results.
Beer volumes have also declined to their lowest level since the 1930s.
Deloitte's survey comes as a further surprise at a time when interest rates are rising and the economic outlook is generally gloomy.
Spending results
According to the Deloitte survey, men said they would spend an average of £178 at the pub while women were lower at £109.
People in the north-west plan to spend the most on going out, closely followed by those in London. The Welsh expect to spend the least.
In terms of age groups, the 16-24 year-olds came top of the list at an expected spend of £163 - reflecting a group largely unaffected by mortgage rates.
However, those aged over 55 also expect to increase their spending on going out by 40%.
Smoke ban attracts families
"Despite some concerns in the pubs and restaurant sector about loss of business when the smoking ban was introduced this summer, our research suggests the ban has encouraged rather than deterred consumers from eating out this Christmas," said Glyn Bunting of Deloitte's hospitality and leisure team.
"Despite some economic challenges, people expect to continue to eat out, because they want to and because they're busy.
"Families are more likely to eat out together since the smoking ban came into force and providing friendly service, affordability and sensible menu choices will help attract them.
"Smart operators will also recognise that music can also be an alienating factor for family groups or older people and look to adjust their offering accordingly."
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