Trading Update

Wetherspoon (JD) PLC
12 January 2006



                               JD WETHERSPOON PLC

                                 TRADING UPDATE



12 January 2006


Current Trading


For the first 11 weeks of the second quarter (to 8 January 2006), like-for-like
sales increased by 0.3%, compared to a decline of 0.9% in the first quarter.
Year-to-date (24 weeks to 8 January 2006) like-for-like sales have decreased by
0.3%, with overall Company sales up by 0.9%.


As highlighted previously, the Company has made progress in taking actions on
its costs. As a result, operating margins and profit before tax for the first
half of the current financial year are currently expected to be materially ahead
of a subdued period in the previous financial year.


Property


The first 24 weeks saw the opening of 5 new pubs with a full year target of
approximately 15.


Non-Smoking Pubs (total 49)


The Company previously announced that first quarter like-for-like sales in the
non-smoking pubs had declined by 7.3%; this sales trend has continued in the
subsequent 11 week period. The sales decline comprises lower like-for-like bar
sales and fruit machine sales and increased food sales, which has led to a
considerable drop in operating margins in these pubs.


As previously indicated, the Company intends to review the programme of further
non-smoking conversions in time for our interim results announcement on 3 March
2006.



Outlook


Notwithstanding the expected improvement in the first half of our current
financial year, the pub market remains very competitive and faces several
challenges. In March 2006, all Scottish pubs will become non-smoking, which will
affect 38 of our pubs. Combined with the potential impact of the football world
cup in June and July 2006, this leads us to take a cautious view of the possible
outcome for the second half of the current financial year.


Enquiries:

John Hutson       Chief Executive              01923 477777

Jim Clarke         Finance Director            01923 477777



Eddie Gershon     Company Spokesman            0208 352 5012/07956 392234

Visit our web site at www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk


                      This information is provided by RNS
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