Beer sales in Germany fell 5.5 percent due to lockdowns

Beer sales in Germany fell by 5.5% last year. They were pulled down by the coronavirus pandemic, for which bars and restaurants were closed for a long time. German-based breweries and distributors sold a total of 8.7 billion liters of beer last year, the German statistical office said on Monday. Non-alcoholic beers and beers imported from countries outside the European Union are not included in the balance. Beer sales in Germany have been declining for years. This is due to health concerns and other factors. According to the AP, they have fallen by 22.3 percent since 1993. Last year, however, was extraordinary. In April, year-on-year sales were weaker by 17.3 percent, and in November by 14.1 percent. Bars and restaurants were closed in Germany from March to May at the earliest. They are also stopped during the current lockdown, which has been running since November. The industry is also feeling the effects of closing festivals and other major public events, during which large volumes of beer are usually consumed.