Pubs pin hopes on restrictions lifting on June 21 as bank holiday trade set to take a hit

Pubs are expecting a lot less trade this bank holiday

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) said the lifting of all restrictions in June was essential for the survival of the sector.

Despite a positive start to indoor and outdoor trading, the restrictions currently placed on pubs - including table service only - are significantly reducing the number of customers they can host, and therefore the number of pints they can sell, the trade association said.

It estimates pubs will lose out on £80million in revenue this weekend alone – down 34% on a normal spring Bank Holiday weekend.

Approximately 95% of the UK's 47,000 pubs have reopened – but operating under restrictions including table service only, one metre-plus social distancing and no bar service.

More than 2,000 pubs remain closed because they are too small to operate social distancing or table service only.

BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin said: "We estimate people who go and support their local this bank holiday weekend will buy 42 million pints. Whilst that is better than being closed, that is 21 million pints fewer, and £80m in revenues lower, than normal for the spring Bank Holiday.

"As more people get their vaccine, and if reports continue to suggest that the Indian variant is less prevalent than originally believed, all restrictions must be removed in pubs on June 21 as per the Government's own road map.

"Pubs only have a fighting chance if they can fully reopen as normal."