Beer Market Going Flat?

Over in England, beer sales are down 8%, with the largest decrease coming in sales from stores.

That's troubling news, indeed - I would love to see separate statistics for the craft brew segment, as I hope (without evidence) that the market for good beer remains strong. It appears, however, that the decline may be due to a 20% increase in beer tax rather than a slaking of the British thirst for good beer.

(In a way, it's refreshing to see a downturn in the bar scene that the pro-stink crowd can't blame on the Kansas City smoking ban.)