‘Hopes dashed’ by PM announcement, says BBPA

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has said that its hope for clarity on reopening and extra support for pubs has been “dashed” by Boris Johnson’s announcement.

Its warning comes as research from the BBPA showed that 40% of UK pubs will not survive beyond September without further financial support.

The group warned that the government failed to outline specific additional financial support for pubs in order to “assure and help them through the extended lockdown hardship they face”. 

It added that it understands pubs should only open when safe to do so, but extending the lockdown without offering additional support will be “devastating” to the industry.

Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer & Pub Association, said: “The industry was looking for a glimmer of hope today, a date to plan to and further financial support reassured, but it looks like we have more weeks of uncertainty ahead of us.

“With insufficient clarity as to when pubs will reopen, our sector remains in limbo and facing severe uncertainty and financial devastation. If Government plans to keep pubs closed until the final phase of release, as rumoured, this would make pubs first in and last out of lockdown.”

She added: “The Government must understand that the current financial support they are providing, although welcome, does not go anywhere near enough to cover pub’s costs through an extended lockdown. 

“Without this specific additional financial support, the social hubs and heart of communities in many towns, villages and cities across the UK will be lost forever, resulting in immeasurable damage to the wellbeing of our nation.”