Research and Markets: Public Houses Market Report Plus 2012

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/xmznqs/public_houses) has announced the addition of the "Public Houses Market Report Plus 2012" report to their offering.

The turnover of public houses in the UK is estimated to have fallen in recent years, alongside the number of public houses in operation, but the rate of decline is expected to have slowed in 2011. The steady downturn in pub numbers continued through 2011, although the rate of closures also slowed compared with 2009 and 2010.

The recession has hit the pub industry hard, with many pub customers deciding to stay at home to save money. The financial crisis exacerbated the threat already posed to pubs by cheap supermarket alcohol, which is often priced considerably lower than on-trade alcohol.

The market is divided into three types of pubs those owned by brewers, those owned by pub companies (pubcos'), and free houses. Some of the larger pub companies own thousands of outlets, some of which are run under branded concepts. Pubs owned by brewers or pubcos are either managed by them, or are leased out to tenants. The efficiency of the controversial tie' system, which obliges tenants to buy certain products from their brewer or pubco, is an ongoing debate within the industry and within parliament. The industry is regularly affected by changes in legislation, the latest of which looks set to be the introduction of minimum pricing.

Changes in market trends and consumer demand have altered the face of the industry considerably, and have changed pubs from male-dominated drinking venues to family-oriented eateries. As a result, certain types of pubs have struggled to survive. For an increasing number of pubs, being able to offer food at affordable prices is all but essential, and food is likely to be the driver behind a return to profit.

The trade is still struggling; however, although pub closures are likely to continue within the saturated market, turnover is predicted to stabilise and recover with improved economic conditions. The pub is deeply embedded in the UK's culture, history and tradition, and although it may have to alter its identity to adapt to changing consumer demand, it will never disappear.

Companies Mentioned

- Mitchells and Butlers PLC

- JD Wetherspoon PLC

- Greene King PLC

- Enterprise Inns PLC

- Spirit Pub Company PLC

- Punch Taverns

- Marston's PLC

- Whitbread PLC

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/xmznqs/public_houses