I hadn't heard this before but a sudden drop in bar attendance was discussed in today's Chronicle Herald:
It could be fear of catching H1N1 or perhaps it’s a sign of the recession, but whatever the reason, pub-goers aren’t drinking beer in the quantities they used to. In general, beer sales by volume dropped by a dramatic 13.4 per cent in October. And in Nova Scotia, fewer people are drinking beer brewed at the Oland Brewery in particular, which means layoffs at the Halifax plant.
The article does canvass some of the other issues going on with the regionally branded macro-lager plant - including the interesting observation that Nova Scotians try new beer more readily on tap in a pub. But one wonders of they tried to make a better class of beer whether they might grab some dwindling market share back. Note the production range: Keith’s India Pale Ale, Keith’s White, Keith’s Red, Keith’s Lite, Budweiser, Bud Lite, Oland, Schooner, Wildcat, Labatt Blue and Labatt Lite. Not a lot of variety there. Is this not 2007 auto industry thinking?
Comments
Bartle - November 24, 2009 11:52 pm
I really hope this eventually equates into the drinking of the micro brews there. Daniel does great work at Garrison [Please someone hook me up with a bottle of the Ol' Fog Burner!].
How could people drink such things like Keith's and Labatt when they have access to 750ml bottles of Chimay Blue on a regular basis?
Oh... east coast... never mind.
RS - November 25, 2009 2:23 am
I think this has nothing to do with the pub...
Alan - November 25, 2009 7:33 am
...or H1N1.
Sire - November 25, 2009 9:04 am
Look at the line up of beers!!! Most of them are unflavoured and bland lagers. With the tax and everything else making the price of beer expensive, I too would stay home. Brew something interesting and they will come.