Chief Executive Responds to BBPA Consumption Report

07 September 2010

In response to the statistics released by the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) which showed that alcohol consumption in the UK decreased by 6% in 2009, the fourth annual drop in five years, Colin Neill, Chief Executive of Pubs of Ulster said:

�The statistics released by the British Beer and Pub Association highlight that there has been a significant decrease in the consumption of alcohol across the UK in the last number of years due to factors such as the ongoing economic difficulties faced by many households and individuals. This trend has had a significant impact on the pub trade locally with many pubs reporting difficulties. �However, although figures show a decrease in consumption levels, factors such as the below cost selling of alcohol by the supermarket multiples has led to over 70% of alcohol now being consumed at home where there is an increased risk of people drinking to excess without the controlled environment offered by pubs. This has a direct impact on the level of alcohol related health issues due to irresponsible drinking. �To address the issue more effectively, both the UK Government and the Northern Ireland Assembly must follow through with their proposals to introduce minimum pricing. This is an issue which has been at the forefront of our agenda and something Pubs of Ulster has actively campaigned in favour of and we now hope to see legislation introduced in the near future that will encourage people to consume alcohol responsibly.�