Pubs closures will see sector lose £325m over Easter
It comes as those in the sector mark the second Easter in a row where pubs will not be able to open doors to its customers
The loss of beer sales from this Easter bank holiday weekend will result in the pub sector losing out on £325m in trade, according to the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA).
With limited trading conditions still in place to limit the spread of Covid-19, the trade group has said that UK pubs will also “miss out on selling 85 million pints this Easter”.
Under current restrictions, pubs across the UK can sell takeaway meals but cannot sell alcoholic beverages.
Pubs remain closed in England until 12 April at the earliest, and in line with the government’s roadmap owners should be able to open their venues as outdoor beer gardens after this date.
This will be followed by indoor reopening on 17 May and opening without restrictions from 21 June at the earliest.
It comes as those in the sector mark the second Easter in a row where pubs will not be able to open doors to its customers – with Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA labelling the situation as a “major disappointment for pubs and publicans”.
She said: “A visit to the pub over Easter is one of life’s simple pleasures, but sadly for the second year in a row our pubs remain forced shut.
“It is particularly sad as the sun will be out this Easter, yet people will not be able to soak up the rays in their local pub beer garden. It is imperative the government’s roadmap to reopening in England does not get delayed.”
She added: “We hope our pubs will be able to start reopening outdoors from 12 April and from there on it is key the roadmap is stuck to and pubs are fully reopened without restrictions by 21 June.”
