By Ahmed Abdelsalam
JD Wetherspoon plans to open up to 25 new pubs over the coming year after reporting an 8.2 per cent rise in first-quarter like-for-like sales.
Sales Growth Details
During the 14 weeks to 1 November, bar sales jumped 9.4 per cent while food sales increased 6.8 per cent.
Recent Openings
The company has already opened six managed pubs in the new financial year at Manchester Airport, Heathrow Airport, Crewe in Cheshire, Ferndown in Dorset, Dibden Purlieu in Hampshire and Kempston in Bedfordshire.
Profit Outlook
Chairman Tim Martin said the group remains comfortable with market expectations for a full-year profit of £76.4 million.
Government Policy Criticism
Martin criticised recent government policies on labour costs, warning they widen the price gap between pubs and supermarkets while reducing employment.
