Half of operators seen 60% drop in revenue since curfew started

The Night-Time Industries Association (NTIA) and Sprout CRM conducted a survey of businesses within the late-night and hospitality sector.

Of the 800 bars, pubs, nightclubs and other hospitality venues that participated in the survey, more than a quarter (27%) said they were still closed.

Almost three quarters (72%) of respondents reported trading levels at 60% revenue capacity of pre-curfew restrictions.

Redundancies started

Nearly all of those asked (91%) said the Job Support Scheme part of the Chancellor’s Winter Economy Plan will not help them retain their current workforce.

When it comes to job losses, almost two thirds (61%) of respondents had started making redundancies in their business.

A combination of the Chancellor’s winter plan and the current restrictions meant some 45% of businesses said they will be making more than 60% of their workforce redundant imminently.

The research also asked firms how they have found the NHS Track and Trace App since its launch, which yielded split results.

Systematic closure

Two fifths (39%) had not used it, 28% reported it was good, 28% rated it poor and 2% said it was excellent.

NTIA CEO Michael Kill said: “Our sector must not be undervalued. We need to challenge the Government when restrictions result in the systematic closure of an entire industry. In the coming weeks, without further support, we are facing a catastrophic collapse, which will see thousands of businesses and jobs lost.”

Sprout CRM Europe director Dhilon Solanki outlined the massive impact the restrictions are having on the trade.

Solanki said: “This is a huge challenge for the sector, we have been working tirelessly across to support businesses with tech solutions, but the recent measures implemented by Government have made many businesses unviable, leaving concerns for their future.”