Consumers in the UK drank more wine and spirits – but less beer – during the 2020 lockdowns, says a recent study by the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA).
As per BBPA’s latest 2021 Statistical Handbook for the drinks sector, the percentage share of alcohol consumed through wine in the UK increased by two percentage points during lockdown 2020.
Over the same period, the percentage share of alcohol consumed through beer decreased by four percentage points – with total beer sales in 2020 falling by 14.2 per cent.
Over the same period, people consumed 26 per cent of their alcohol from spirits, up two percentage points from 2019.
According to the BBPA, the key reason behind the shift in drinking habits was the closure of pubs, which led to people consuming wine and spirits bought from stores instead of draught beer bought over the pub bar. Typically, seven in 10 alcoholic drinks served in a pub are beer, said the study.
Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, claimed that sales in stores didn’t make up for sales lost from closed pubs.
It goes to show that when people visit the pub, they primarily drink beer, which on average is 4.2% ABV, the lowest strength alcohol category and so ideal for moderate consumption. It is great to see the Chancellor recognise this and promote lower strength alcohol drinks with his changes to the UK alcohol duty regime announced in the recent Budget.
“With pubs open and trading again in 2021, we hope customers will revert to choosing a beer at their local – a safe and managed space at the heart of communities throughout the UK,” McClarkin said.