Bomb fallout squeezes trade in London pubs
by John Harrington
Further evidence has emerged that the July bomb attacks have continued to dent trade at central London pubs weeks after the blasts.
A survey of 300 pubs and bars in the 14 postal districts most affected, showed that drink sales fell 10% in the three weeks between the 7 July bombs and the failed attacks of 28 July.
The data, from analysts CGA Centro, shows that sales continued to fall in the three weeks after 28 July, where they were just 89% of the pre-7 July levels.
CGA Centro chief executive Martin Curren said the study was in reaction to recent surveys that suggest trade has remained relatively stable following the attacks. CGA Centro said these surveys could lead to 'misinterpretation because they include Greater London.
'If you talk to the retailers around those (most affected) areas, they are saying there's been an immediate 10-20% reduction in trade, and it's still down, said Curren.
In addition, the continuing fall in sales weeks after the attacks points to a downturn in overseas visitors booking holidays to the capital.
The survey shows that RTD sales dropped the fastest. For the three weeks between 7 July and 28 July, RTD sales were just 81% of pre-bomb levels. The level slipped to 78% for the three weeks after 28 July.
Sales of packaged beer also fell steeply in the same period, to 90% and then 87% of normal levels.
'Those packaged drinks tend to be consumed quite often by people on a night out, said Curren. 'That would indicate to me a reduction in the number of people coming into those places.
Draught beer sales also experienced a sharp fall, to 92% and then 88% of pre-bomb levels.
Only two drinks categories recovered marginally. Spirits sales fell to 88% of normal levels, then crept up to 90% for the three weeks from 28 July. During the same period, wine sales slipped to 91% then increased to 92%.
Alex Salussolia, Westminster Licensees Association (WLA) chairman, said trade at central London pubs is still down 12-18%, with business at family and tourist-focused venues down as much as 40%.
WLA and Westminster City Council are calling for rate relief for pubs and other businesses that have seen trade fall sharply in the wake of the attacks.
