Part of the reason for the decline may be down to the economy. Recessions in the early 1980s and 1990s, for example, prompted a decline in drinking. But there is also a growing awareness of the dangers associated with drinking. Experts have suggested that the Drink Aware campaign has been a factor in shaping the public's attitudes to alcohol consumption.

Is that the reason you asked about drinking in the meeting place?

I suspect that the economy is the real reason that sales are down. Most people are struggling financially, and booze is a luxury for most people. As for possible tax cuts all I suspect will happen is that the brewers will put their prices up by the same amount.

Its also that there are less young people and an older population does not drink as much (although may drink better quality) as they dont go out ona Fri / Sat and get blathered

I didn't think it was terribly clear from the article whether this was total alcohol sales or just those in pubs and restaurants. If it doesn't include sales from off-licences and supermarkets then it's going to be an incomplete picture.
If it is just sales in pubs and things then I can't say I'm surprised tbh.