JD Wetherspoon sales remained flat over what it had predicted to be a busy Christmas period. In the 12 weeks to January 18 (its fiscal second quarter) sales rose by 2.8 percent - well below the 6.3 percent boost that it posted in its first quarter.

Chairman, Tim Martin responded to the figures: "The main reason behind this trend is not that people prefer to drink at home, but relates to the huge and growing price differential between pubs and supermarkets."

He calls on British publicans to "campaign for equal tax treatment for pubs and supermarkets" - adding that pubs face much higher taxes, and that supermarkets can subsidise cheap alcohol through selling other products.

Given that all but two of the company's 900+ pubs are in the UK, this statement refers to supermarkets in Britain - but similar complaints have been common among pub owners in the Republic of Ireland.

The statement is also critical of measures to increase taxes paid on income from gaming machines.

The company opened its second pub in Dublin during this period, The Forty Foot in Dun Laoghaire. The current statement adds that it has secured three more Irish sites.

JD Wetherspoon outlets are due to open in Swords, county Dublin as well as Cork City. It is also developing a hotel on Camden Street in Dublin's city centre and has purchased a property in Waterford City.