The industry has made little headway in encouraging people away from the home and into pubs, according to new research.
The results of a survey among over 1,000 people, released by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), reveal that although 73 per cent of people do go to the pub, just over a quarter claim to never visit a pub at all.
The results are virtually identical to a similar survey conducted by CAMRA over two years ago, showing that despite its greatest efforts to get more people into pubs, a chunk of the population is staying put.
Tony Payne, chief executive of the Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations, is concerned about the number of people who are drinking alcohol outside the pub.
"People used to go to the pub more regularly than they do now. But 35 per cent of alcohol is now drunk at home," he said. "The 27 per cent of people who don't go to pubs is an untapped market. It's a sad reflection on the fact that supermarkets can sell beer cheaper than licensees can buy it."
CAMRA says the new figures are a concern and hopes that National Pubs Week, which starts tomorrow (Saturday 22 Februrary), will help to encourage people back into pubs.
Mike Benner, head of campaigns, said: "Everybody in the pub and beer industry is beginning to realise that we all need to work together to get people back into pubs and encourage pubs to be more proactive."
The research shows that while 30 per cent of people visit the pub once a week or more, only half of the population visit at least once a month.