Wetherspoon boss Tim Martin has criticized proposals from academics to serve beer in two-third pint measures, calling them “slightly daft.” He believes that introducing further regulations in the pub sector could lead to more people drinking at home instead of in pubs. Martin specifically mentioned a study by Cambridge University academics suggesting the use of two-third glasses instead of pints to reduce alcohol consumption. He argued that reducing glass sizes is unlikely to decrease alcohol consumption in pubs and would not affect drinks bought in supermarkets.
Additionally, Martin expressed his disagreement with the speculation that the Government might reduce pub and hospitality opening hours. He believes that neither the proposal to change glass sizes nor the idea of reducing trading hours passes the common-sense test. Despite these challenges, Wetherspoon saw a rebound in profits, with pre-tax profits increasing by 73.5% to £73.9 million for the year to July 28, compared to the previous year.
The pub chain’s revenue also grew by 5.7% to £2.04 billion, driven by a 7.6% rise in like-for-like sales. However, the number of pub sites decreased as the group sold 18 pubs and terminated the lease on nine others, while opening two new sites. Wetherspoon currently operates 800 pubs but aims to expand to 1,000 sites across the UK in the long term. Despite gaining £8.9 million in cash from pub sales, the company recorded an exceptional loss of £13.4 million related to the pub disposals.
Overall, Wetherspoon’s financial performance showed signs of recovery, although it has not yet reached pre-pandemic levels. The pub giant remains cautious about further regulations that could impact the industry and believes that maintaining the traditional pint measure is important for the pub experience.
