Eating Out: Statistics and Society Presidential Address

Eating‐out is generally considered to be of increasing importance as a form of food consumption even though there are differing definitions of its scope. There have recently been some noteworthy additions to the available statistics on eating‐out in the UK and these indicate its growth through time and its pattern across society. Eating‐out involves a degree of interaction with others and has been studied by sociologists as well as by those whose interest primarily stems from ones in the agri‐food chain or in food consumption. It also raises some interesting issues about how ‘externalities’ (and, in particular, those arising from smoking) are best allowed for in circumstances in which both application of the polluter‐pays principle and very restrictive regulations may be considered impractical and inappropriate.