Two out of five Britons say their favourite pubs are STILL closed due to social distancing restrictions in pandemic
- The British Beer and Pub Association said pubs must reopen to start recovery
- In survey, 40 per cent of people said their favourite pubs are still closed
- Comes as government revealed covid passports could be used to keep industry open as winter approaches over fears of surge in cases due to cold weather
Two out of five people say their favourite pubs are still closed because of the coronavirus pandemic, according to new research.
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) said that several pubs across the UK remain closed because of ongoing restrictions including social distancing and rules around standing with others.
In a survey of 1,000 adults, 40 per cent said their favourite pubs are still behind locked doors.
In a survey of 1,000 adults, 40 per cent said their favourite pubs are still behind locked doors
It comes after the BBPA said the restrictions must be removed if the industry is to fully recover from the impact of the pandemic.
‘The current restrictions on pubs are flatlining their recovery before it has even had a chance to begin,’ Chief Executive Emma McClarkin said.
‘Pubs and licensees are struggling to recover with the current restrictions they face and debts are accumulating. Every week the current restrictions stay and uncertainty continues, the likelihood of pubs being lost forever increases.
‘The countdown to freedom is on in England for pubs on July 19, but the Wales and Scotland Governments must give more certainty to publicans.’
Earlier this week, it was revealed that covid passports could be used to keep pubs and restaurants open this winter under plans being drawn up by ministers.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned although it is ‘looking good’ for the lifting of restrictions on July 19, Britain could still face a ‘rough winter’ if cases surge.
A new function on the NHS app allows people in England to show their vaccination status
Plans for the widespread use of so-called Covid passports were put on the back-burner earlier this year following a backlash from MPs and parts of the hospitality sector.
But a review into ‘Covid certification’ led by Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove is now examining whether they could be used to enable venues like pubs, restaurants and theatres to remain open if cases rocket later this year.
A new function on the NHS app allows people in England to demonstrate their vaccination status. The function will be used to enable people to travel abroad. It is also being piloted at major events such as Wimbledon as part of trials to allow in larger crowds.
Ministers expect it to become commonplace at mass events where people would otherwise have to take a Covid test to gain entry.
Covid passports could be used to keep pubs and restaurants open this winter
However, a Whitehall source told the Mail earlier this week that the scheme could be used to keep open a much wider range of venues if a surge this winter requires ministers to consider lockdown restrictions.
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