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Home Working Shifts Drinking Habits and City Spending

5/9/2025

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Story summary

Home working has led to a notable decline in after-work drinking in city centers outside London, reveals urban economist Paul Swinney. While Londoners shifted their pub outings from Fridays to Thursdays, other cities enjoyed a weekend spending boost. However, the drop in city-center spending didn't translate to gains on the high street, highlighting a complex economic shift.

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Story summary

Home working has led to a notable decline in after-work drinking in city centers outside London, reveals urban economist Paul Swinney. While Londoners shifted their pub outings from Fridays to Thursdays, other cities enjoyed a weekend spending boost. However, the drop in city-center spending didn't translate to gains on the high street, highlighting a complex economic shift.