December was another excellent month for operators. Following strong November sales, December like-for-likes were up 4.5%, according to an analysis of more than 100 organisations that use S4Labour software. Wet-led venues enjoyed a 3.9% boost in sales, thanks to a 6.5% increase in food sales. Meanwhile, food-focused businesses were the biggest winners overall with a 4.8% uplift, driven by a 5.5% rise in drink sales. Over the key December trading days (24-26th and 31st) sales were up 5.4% demonstrating a successful Christmas period.