Cautious public still stay away from bars
MORE than half of adults have stayed away from pubs since they were allowed to reopen, a study reveals.
Almost two in five people believe it is still not safe to visit bars amid coronavirus fears.
Some 26 per cent said they would not go to their local until a vaccine was found.
The survey of 2,000 people by Perspectus Global found 27 per cent felt enjoying a pint at a pub was not worth the risk of contracting Covid-19.
Ellie Glason, of Perspectus Global, said: “Although Boris Johnson urged us all to go out for a pint when pubs re-opened at the start of July, our research reveals how cautious the nation has been when it comes to resuming social drinking.
“A lot of worry exists about the safety of drinking in pubs and bars, and we’re also rightly concerned for the pub industry and those who work in it.”
Almost a quarter of respondents suspected that pubs reopening could be behind the localised spikes in the virus across the country.
Just under 20 per cent said they were actively avoiding seeing friends or family who have visited a pub often since the restrictions eased.
Seven per cent said they were avoiding pubs because they did not want to give out their name and contact details as part of the test and trace system.
Many were put off by the safety measures, with 13 per cent saying it is impossible to socially distance after a few drinks.
One in 10 are concerned their local pub will not survive the current crisis.