The latest survey conducted by leading pub trade body the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) has revealed that 60% of pubs saw an upturn in business during the second week of the Olympic Games ‐ in stark contrast to the difficulties operators experienced the week before.
The survey of ALMR members shows that an astonishing 20% of operators experienced like‐for‐like sales increases of 11% or more on last year, underpinned by a further 30% reporting like‐for‐like gains of 6‐10%.
The survey further confirms the non‐appearance of the feared logistical disruptions, with just 10% of operators reporting logistical difficulties as a result of the Games – including midnight beer replenishment in regatta‐bound Weymouth!
Responding to the results, ALMR Chief Executive Nick Bish said:
“The public perception was that London wouldn’t be able to handle the Games influx, so people stayed away. But these fears were unjustified and then it became clear that pubs and bars were after all the best place to celebrate the success of Team GB.
“It’s heartening to see such a turnaround after a difficult first week of trading and to report that pubs and bars are an essential part this is a testament to the warmth, vibrancy and vitality of the modern British pub.
“The significant improvement in week two indicates both the massive outpouring of support for the London Olympics and the wonderful work done by entrepreneurial operators to ensure that everyone who came out to experience the Games was able to enjoy the very best of British hospitality.”