Reduced consumer spending compared with a year ago is having a detrimental effect on UK pubs, bars and clubs, according to new research published by advisory firm Zolfo Cooper.

Increasing taxes, declining disposable income and job security concerns have all contributed to a 19 per cent drop in visits to pubs and bars, with the average spend-per-visit also down. Meanwhile, the number of visits to and the average spend-per-visit at nightclubs is down by 33 per cent and 9 per cent respectively, when compared with last year.

The Zolfo Cooper research did find, however, that other leisure sectors such as restaurants have continued to weather the current economic uncertainty, despite a slight decline in visits on a year-on-year basis. London's market remains resilient, while national spend-per-visit at restaurants has gone up by 2.5 per cent - in line with January's VAT increase.

Zolfo Cooper partner Paul Hemming said: "The pressure on consumer's disposable income is forcing them to prioritise and they are choosing to cut back more on visits to drinks-led establishments than on dining experiences. "Looking ahead, the results for restaurants provide some grounds for optimism but the same can't be said about nightclubs, which continue to struggle."

Details: www.zolfocooper.com Image: Luca Grandinetti/shutterstock.com