The figure—for average sales in managed venues in the seven days to Saturday (24 August)—is the fourth negative number in five weeks. It follows mixed weather in many parts of Britain and an increase in overseas travel this year, which have both reduced spending over the summer holiday season.

The Tracker shows year-on-year sales were down on all seven days of the week—by as much as 9% and 10% on Monday and Wednesday (19 and 21 August). Trading picked up towards the end of the week, but sales on the two key days of Friday and Saturday (23 and 24 August) were nevertheless down by 2% on both.

Sales were also negative year-on-year in all five major drinks categories: beer (down 3%), cider (down 7%), soft drinks (down 6%), wine (down 4%) and spirits (down 10%).

“August has been a tough month for the On Premises, with poor weather, civil unrest and the aftermath of the Euros all putting pressure on footfall,” says Jonathan Jones, CGA by NIQ’s managing director, UK and Ireland. “The easing of inflation for consumers isn’t yet translating into extra spending, and the grey summer hasn’t given them many reasons to venture out to beer gardens and terraces. Fingers will be crossed for a much brighter September and growth in confidence as we move towards the crucial final quarter of the year.”