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Smoking ban fails to dent pub group profits
PUB group Fuller, Smith & Turner have shrugged off the effects of the smoking ban and a washed-out summer with a 16 per cent rise in half-year profits.
The London Pride brewer said pre-tax profits for the six months to September 29 rose to 12.7 million as operating profits at its pub arm climbed 4 per cent to 13.3 million.
The company's beer volumes rose 2 per cent during the period, which Fuller's described as particularly pleasing after the UK market fell 4% amid poor weather. Operating profits at the Fuller's Beer Company rose 2 per cent to 3.5 million.
Fuller's said: "The summer provided interesting challenges but, thanks to good planning, preparation and investment, we minimised any negative impact."
At the end of September, the company's estate stood at 363 premises, comprising 150 managed pubs, six hotels and 207 tenanted or leased pubs.
It said it approached the winter with "cautious optimism", particularly as 90 per cent of its pubs now have specific provision for smokers.
Fuller's is best known for its London Pride beer, brewed in the group's Griffin Brewery in Chiswick, West London.
The brewery also produces Gale's ales after Fuller's shut down the 158-year-old George Gale brewery in Horndean, Hampshire, last March despite protests from the Campaign for Real Ale.
It bought the Gale's business for 82.7 million, adding brands including HSB (Horndean Special Bitter) and Organic Honey Dew to its ale portfolio.
The company said London Pride grew its share and volumes in all markets, helped by the success of recent sponsorships in golf and the London Marathon.
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Weather for Yorkshire
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 21 C
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