The beer tie has seen a surge in licensees naming it as the biggest factor negatively affecting their turnover over the past 12 months, according to data published in MCA’s Pub Market Report.
Twenty-six percent of respondents who have seen their turnover fall over the past year blamed the beer tie – a 16pp increase compared to the results of the 2017 MCA Licensee Survey, which is conducted alongside sister-title Morning Advertiser.
The economic climate came in at number two, with 21% stating it was putting the greatest pressure on turnover (down 5pp), while supermarket pricing was the choice for 13% (down 8pp).
Other factors, which licensees felt was contributing to lower turnover, were increased competition for leisure spend (8%), competition from other pubs (8%), beer prices (8%) and rising business rates (5%).
For wet-led pubs the impact of the beer tie went from being the biggest factor for 10% in 2017, to 30% in 2018, while for food-led pubs the percentage increased from 9% to 18%.
The biggest factor that licensees felt had the most positive impact on turnover was improved/continued customer service (21%), however the most important factor in 2017 – an improved food offer – fell in importance from 22% to 7% (down 17pp).
The +200-page Pub Market Report offers critical insight into the long-term success of the pub sector, by taking a detailed look into its growth drivers and inhibitors. It includes detailed analysis and market sizing, consumer insight, a breakdown of the competitive landscape and focus on leading and emerging brands/operators.
To find out more or to order a copy of the report, please contact enquiries@mca-insight.com
