South Tyneside pubs served 107 pints a minute

South Tyneside pubs got a much-needed spending boost on Monday as thirsty customers were allowed indoors for the first time this year, new figures suggest
Monday pub sales surveyMonday pub sales survey
Monday pub sales survey

Trade bodies have welcomed the further easing of coronavirus rules, but cautioned that the "fragile" hospitality sector is relying on all restrictions being removed before it can operate successfully.

Banking firm Revolut analysed the data of its 7,000 customers in South Tyneside on Monday, and found that drinkers knocked back around 107 pints per minute at their peak.

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The biggest spenders in the area were 25 to 34 year-old men, but they shelled out less – spending £10.24 per round, compared to the national average of £12.86.

Despite this boost to trade, the figures show that spending in pubs in the area was one per cent down on an average Monday in February last year.

Bars and restaurants in England were allowed to serve food and drinks indoors from May 17, following the return of outdoor hospitality on April 12.

Nationally, pub spending was still six per cent down on normal levels – because thousands of pubs are still closed or open with significantly reduced capacity, the British Beer and Pub Association said.

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Emma McClarkin, BBPA chief executive, said: “This is by no means the end of the crisis for our sector. We need pubs fully reopened without any restrictions at all on June 21 if they are to survive and trade viably."

The figures also show that spending in restaurants and cafes in South Tyneside on Monday was 20% lower than what would have been expected last year.