The pub industry has undergone a period of tremendous change during the past two years, with a wave of takeovers and mergers transforming the corporate landscape and the first of what are expected to become many large multiple pub companies emerging with upwards of 5,000 outlets nationally. The industry also stands on the threshold of a significant change in licensing laws, which will permit longer opening hours - something operators hope will result in improved revenue and profits. This report assesses the current health of the pubs and bars market, and attempts to provide some pointers as to its future direction.

The pub industry has undergone a period of tremendous change during the past two years, with a wave of takeovers and mergers transforming the corporate landscape and the first of what are expected to become many large multiple pub companies emerging with upwards of 5,000 outlets nationally. The industry also stands on the threshold of a significant change in licensing laws, which will permit longer opening hours - something operators hope will result in improved revenue and profits. This report assesses the current health of the pubs and bars market, and attempts to provide some pointers as to its future direction.

Mintel last reported on this subject in Pub Visiting, Leisure Intelligence, May 1998. Other reports of relevance include:

- Menu Development, Leisure Intelligence, July 2000

- Post-family Leisure Trends, Leisure Intelligence, April 2000

- Family Leisure Trends, Leisure Intelligence, March 2000

- Leisure: In- Versus Out-of-Town, Leisure Intelligence, March 2000

- Gaming Machines, Leisure Intelligence, February 2000

- Hotels, Leisure Intelligence, February 2000

- Children's Indoor Play Areas, Leisure Intelligence, January 2000

- Pre-family Leisure Trends, Leisure Intelligence, January 2000

- Cue Sports, Leisure Intelligence, December 1999

- Leisure in London, Leisure Intelligence, October 1999

- Leisure Venue Catering, Leisure Intelligence, August 1999

- Themed Pubs and Bars, Leisure Intelligence, April 1999

- Nightclubs, Leisure Intelligence, October 2000

- Pub Catering, Leisure Intelligence, October 2000

- Pink Entertainment, Leisure Intelligence, December 2000.

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