British Beer & Pub Association responds to Professor Chris Whitty’s comments that social distancing will be needed until at least the end of 2020
The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) as today responded to comments by Professor Chris Whitty, the UK’s Chief Medical Officer, that social distancing will be needed until at least the end of the year to prevent fresh outbreaks of Coronavirus.
Professor Whitty said there is an ‘incredibly small’ chance of a vaccine for Coronavirus being ready at any point during 2020. He also stated “we are going to have to do a lot of things for really quite a long period of time, the question is what is the best package and this is what we’re trying to work out.”
In response, Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association said:
“Pubs are the original social network, so reopening them with social distancing restrictions is going to be extremely difficult. Both for staff and customers alike.
“It’s clear that the Government are going to need to give pubs special consideration for a restart, as well as specific support just for them. The Job Retention Scheme must continue for pubs throughout their closure along with a ‘back to work’ scheme with the same level of support when they can re-open. Such measures will save jobs whilst the trade slowly recovers. Further extension of the grant support from Government for pubs, including the 10,000 pubs above the threshold for such support at present, will also be needed. Pubs will be lost if such measures are not taken, and will help the trade whilst it slowly recovers. We need these measures put in place now, to ensure that pubs can survive and be ready to re-open when safe to do so and then help as they slowly recover.
“Trade will not immediately return to the level it was before the COVID-19 crisis hit when pubs reopen. Upon reopening, trade could be down by as much as half what it was before. It will inevitably take time for consumer confidence to build. Social distancing restrictions in pubs will inevitably have a direct effect on footfall in pubs.”
For more information, contact Adam Beazley
Communications and Campaigns Officer
British Beer & Pub Association
Mobile: 07507 836 708