Dry January 'having less impact'; licensees hopeful of positive Budget

For those aware of George Osborne's announcement on March 16, the tracker asked what changes were expected and found that:

• 37% predicted an increase to the tax free personal allowance
• 32% expected a rise in the national minimum wage
• 21% expected a reduction in corporation tax
• 41% believed the Budget will have little impact on their leisure spending.

Many licensees are hoping for positive changes for the industry, such as a cut to beer duty​ or changes to business rates​.

Results

The Tracker also found that men and women were united in favouring a higher level of tax-free personal allowance.

But there were differences between generations, as older respondents hoped for an increase in their personal allowance, while younger respondents wanted a rise in the minimum wage.

Greene King’s Leisure Spend Tracker also revealed that Dry January and other New Year’s resolutions had less of an effect on leisure spending this year.

The Tracker found that in January:

• Drinking out was up 6% compared to January 2015.
• The average British household spent £184 on out of home leisure, a 16% decline in spending compared to December but a 1% increase year-on-year.
• Monthly spending decline was £8 (16%) drinking out, £12 (14%) eating out and £16 (18%) other leisure.
• Leisure spending was spread evenly across the country and between households with and without kids.
• Spending on eating out fell by 2% from January 2015.

'Optimistic'

Fiona Gunn, Greene King group marketing director, reflected: “The figures suggest that many British households are optimistic ahead of next month’s Budget as the UK economy continues to show signs of improvement.

“However, while there is an expectation of lower taxes and higher wages, it remains to be seen whether any budget measures will translate into increased spending.”