The government’s Plan B for controlling the spead of the omicron variant of covid could have an effect of pubs and bars this Christmas.
A return to advice to work from home will have an impact upon town and city centre venues, while compulsory mask wearing doesn’t inspire some to visit on-premises. There could, of course, be another uplift in brewers’ off-sales, and packaged sales in shops.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said: “Make no mistake, this is a huge blow for our sector as it further undermines consumer confidence and is devastating for pubs based near offices and in town centres.
“The festive period is crucial to the recovery of our sector, so these restrictions could not have come at a more important trading time. They threaten the viability of pubs, who will lose vital revenue over the Christmas period, and so the government will need to look at providing support.
“We are pleased, though, that covid passports are not applicable to the vast majority of pubs, as government has recognised this would have been totally unworkable. We still need clarifications and to see the detail on other aspects, including on facemasks.
“It’s important to remember that pubs are a safe environment, with less than 2% ofcovid outbreaks traced to hospitality venues. We hope that whilst following the new guidelines, customers continue to visit their local pubs this Christmas to spend quality time with friends and family.”
