Dry-led pubs footfall drops 30% in past week

Following the Prime Minister’s warning that the public should physically distance themselves from each other by avoiding going to pubs, clubs and social venues because of the developing Covid-19, the hospitality sector has seen an overall 43% fall in visitors compared to the same seven days last year, according to Wireless Social.

And, according to CGA chief executive Phil Tate, these figures are only expected to get worse.

Taking its toll​

CGA chief executive Phil Tate said: “Public concern about the virus was already taking its toll on the out-of-home market even before Boris Johnson’s intervention on Monday.

“We can only expect the figures to worsen this week.

“We also know that London has been hit much harder than other parts of the country, even before the spate of closures that have followed the official advice to stay at home and avoid pubs, bars and restaurants.”

According to CGA’s Coffer Peach Business Tracker, the sector had already shown like-for-like sales in managed pubs down 12% in the week from 9 March and 15. 

Restaurant chains saw drops of 21% and bars fell 14%.

Tate continued: “In these uncertain and unprecedented times, it is vital that the market receives the most up-to-date and accurate data on which to base the crucial business decisions that companies will need to take – and that the industry, collectively, through its trade body UKHospitality, is able to make the strongest case possible to the Government, and the country at large, for sector support.”

Front of mind​

The Coffer Peach Tracker collects and analyses performance data from 57 operating groups, which between them operate 10,000 sites.

During the period of the Covid-19 emergency, CGA is supporting the market by publishing weekly trading data from the Coffer Peach Business Tracker, backed up by the results of regular snap consumer surveys.

The weekly results will be published on its website every Friday, as well as being sent to the media to ensure that the industry is kept up-to-date and front of mind.

It is also sharing the results with trade body UKHospitality to support its lobbying efforts to the Government in a bid to gain further support.