How to profit from the British love of beer

Despite the prospect of a triple-dip recession and yearly rises in tax on alcohol, the British are still taking to the pub in droves. Annabelle Williams looks at an alternative way to invest in the sector.

The economic downturn has hit the leisure and hospitality sector hard.  This has been particularly noticeable with pubs, as the government’s regular increases in alcohol duty and consumers’ reduced disposable income have both taken their toll on the sector. Add to this fierce price competition from supermarkets, and the impact of the smoking ban – which turned much of the ‘old man’ client segment away – and it is no surprise that pub closure rates across the UK have picked up pace. However, looking behind the headlines, it is clear that while times have been tough, one facet of Britis...