UK pub sector 'not in decline'
Commercial marine craft
8th December 2008
Brulines, the technology firm responsible for installing beer flow monitoring devices in thousands of UK pubs, has said reports of the demise of the country's pub sector are probably "overdone".
In a financial report, the company commented that "although 4,000 pubs may close over the next couple of years, it is probable that under normal circumstances many of these pubs would have closed over the course of the next five years anyway".
Brulines said it was "performing well in a difficult environment".
Operating profits at the firm increased by 7.5 per cent, though first half profits dropped slightly to £2.17 million.
Recently, brewer Marstons blamed excessive taxes on a 20 per cent slump in profits.
Meanwhile, in the Queen's Speech last week, a ban on below-cost selling was announced.
Keith Vaz, chairman of the Home Affairs committee, said a minimum price was needed to prevent supermarkets from selling alcohol too cheaply.
