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These figures build on a steady recovery so far for 2022, as sales were down by 25% in the first week of the year when compared with 2020.
CGA managing director, UK and Ireland Jonathan Jones said: “It’s very encouraging to see drinks sales approaching parity with trading before the pandemic.”
Uplift in sales
Last week saw uplifts in sales for Scotland and Wales, where the relaxation of Covid restrictions has lagged behind England.
Sales in Scotland were down 8% on the same week in 2020, though this was an improvement on the 17% drop over the previous seven days, while sales in Wales sat 3% ahead of 2020 as some Covid restrictions were lifted.
Across Britain, trading peaked on Saturday 5 February, when drinks sales were 2% higher than on the same day in 2020.
This was likely due to the start of the Six Nations Rugby tournament, which saw England, Scotland and Wales all play on Saturday 5 February.
Long road to recovery
Sales of spirits were 16% higher than in the same week in 2020, rising by as much as 49% on Sunday 30 January.
While other drinks categories have remained low, beer (down 7%), cider (down 8%), soft drinks (down 6%) and wine (down 14%), they have all now moved closer to the same levels as early 2020.
Jones added: “With consumer confidence growing and the removal of remaining Covid restrictions now looming, venues can hope for a revival as we head towards Spring, though with costs soaring for businesses and consumers alike, there is still a long road to recovery ahead.”