UK: Beer sales in Scotland dropped since the smoking ban

Beer sales in Scotland's pubs have dropped since the smoking ban, according to figures, Daily Record published April 11.

They suggest a slump set in at the pumps last autumn after a honeymoon period when the law came into force.

The results surprised experts, who thought last year's World Cup would boost sales in pubs.

Market analysts AC Nielsen said beer sales fell by six per cent overall last year. The average UK drop was four per cent.

Now supermarkets have spotted a gap in the market and slashed the price of beer to attract stay-at-home drinkers, pub bosses claim.

Paul Waterston, of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, said: "It is a very, very difficult time.

"Scotland is now a country that drinks at home."

11 April, 2007