However, brighter spells in May meant pub and bar sales were flat rather than losses, according to CGA by NIQ’s latest Daily Drinks Tracker.
Sales in the on-trade during the week to 24 May were 2% ahead of the same period in 2024, while the following seven days to 31 May brought a fractional decline of 0.4%.
The first fortnight of May produced a mixed sales bag, thanks in part to rain in many areas of Great Britain. However, after a very bright spring, which provided year-on-year growth in 10 of 11 weeks between February and late April, trends over the medium term have been “generally good”.
Damp bank holiday
The second fortnight of May suffered from a damp bank holiday weekend, with sales on Saturday 24 and Monday 26 May down by 13% and 10% respectively as consumers stayed away from beer gardens and terraces.
Comparisons were much healthier on sunnier days including 20 and 21 May, which both delivered double-digit growth.
The tracker’s breakdown of categories shows beer sustained its recent positive performance, with growth of 2% and 3% across the two weeks. However, wine (down 10% and 13%) struggled, and spirits (down 8% and 4%) were also negatively affected – though there are signs that this category’s year-on-year comparisons are starting to narrow.
May was tougher
CGA by NIQ commercial lead, UK & Ireland, Rachel Weller said: “After a very encouraging March and April for drinks sales, May was a tougher month for pubs, bars and suppliers.
“Both of May’s bank holiday weekends were washouts for many parts of the country, though gains during brighter periods at least pushed sales into the black.
“Many consumers continue to watch their cash, and ongoing inflation and new labour costs have piled pressure on real-terms growth and profit margins. Fingers are crossed the next few weeks bring a return to warmer weather and more confident spending.”
The Daily Drinks Tracker provides analysis of sales at managed licensed premises across Great Britain.
