Pubs in 68 per cent sales boost with indoor dining return

But limits on social contact mean spending is still below pre-pandemic levels.

Banking firm Revolut analysed the data of its 4,000 customers in Warrington between May 17 – when indoor hospitality resumed – and June 13.

Warrington punters spent 68 per cent more in pubs over this period than they did compared to the previous month, when only outdoor hospitality was allowed.

But spending was still 51 per cent below the level recorded in February 2020 before the pandemic struck.

Across Great Britain, spending in the month since pubs reopened their doors for indoor service was still 58 per cent lower than in February last year.

Customers enjoy a drink at Terrace Bistro in Stockton Heath

Revolut figures also show that spending in restaurants across Britain was still 51 per cent below normal in the four weeks to June 13.

In Warrington, it was 41 per cent below the pre-pandemic baseline.

Boris Johnson pushed back the end of England’s coronavirus restrictions to July 19 due to concerns over the rapidly spreading Delta variant first identified in India.

Pubs across the country had been preparing to welcome customers back with no limits on social contact or group sizes from yesterday, Monday.

Hospitality and pub industry leaders have now written to the Prime Minister demanding support for their sector following the delay.

A joint spokesman for the British Beer and Pub Association, UK Hospitality and the Campaign for Real Ale said: “Our sector is facing one of its toughest periods in its history, and this latest delay is yet another setback.

The Waterside pub at Centre Park

“Many pubs cannot break even under current restrictions and around 2,300 still remain closed

“It is now absolutely critical that the Government provides our sector with further support – else the recovery of our pubs will be over before they have even been given a chance.”

They have also called on the Prime Minister to prioritise the additional £1.5billion business rates support package announced back in March, to ensure eligible businesses such as brewers can apply as soon as possible.

Separate figures from the Office for National Statistics also show that UK pubs had been under increasing pressure before the pandemic even began.

The number of pubs fell to 38,900 in March last year – down slightly from 2019, and significantly fewer than the 52,500 in 2001.

In Warrington, this figure fell from 135 in 2001 to 120 in 2020.