The “Dry January” campaign and other New Year’s resolutions to cut down on alcohol consumption appear to have had less impact on the hospitality industry this year, according to research for pubs and brewing group Greene King.

In its latest monthly Leisure Spend Tracker report, the Bury St Edmunds-based company says that spending on drinking outside of the home was 6% higher last month compared with January 2015.

Overall, the average British household spent £184 on out-of-home leisure during January, a 16% decline compared with December – when spending is always boosted by festive season celebrations – but a 1% increase on the same month a year earlier.

Spending in all categories was lower compared with December, with Drinking Out falling by £8 (or 16%), Eating Out by £12 (14%) and Other Leisure by £16 (18%).

Year-on-year, however, the 6% increase in Drinking Out, to a monthly total of £40.33, was also accompanied by a 1% increase in spending on Other Leisure, to £71.18, although the spend on Eating Out was 2% lower, at £72.83.

The latest survey also examined views surrounding next month’s Budget, revealing hopes for further increases in the tax-free personal allowance and minimum pay levels.

Fiona Gunn, Greene King group marketing director, said: “The figures suggest that many British households are optimistic ahead of next month’s Budget as the UK economy continues to show signs of improvement.

“However, while there is an expectation of lower taxes and higher wages, it remains to be seen whether any Budget measures will translate into increased spending.”