Japan: Beer sales up for the first time in seven months

Beer sales are up in Japan for the first time in seven months. This comes after the government lifted a pandemic-related ban on alcohol sales at drinking establishments at the end of September, NHK.jp reported on December 10.

Major brewers say beer sales for consumption at restaurants, bars and households were up in November compared to the same month last year. The numbers at the time were strong because a government subsidy program to support the tourism and restaurant sectors was in effect.

Sales were up 15 percent for Suntory, 13 percent for Sapporo, and 10 percent for Kirin.

But the companies say the figures have still not returned to pre-pandemic levels. They are also monitoring the spread of the Omicron variant and how it affects business.