Fears for 15,000 locked down pubs

Up to 15,000 pubs could permanently close if they are not allowed to reopen until the end of September, an industry boss has warned.

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said the coronavirus pandemic had been "devastating" for the sector financially and fears that locals could be facing a "double hit" when they reopen as changes to consumer behaviour could see them reluctant to socialise in large numbers.

Ms McClarkin said it was now vital the Government agrees to provide financial support to the industry – even after pubs begin trading again.

She said: "I am very, very worried about the sector. If you are looking to reopen pubs at the end of summer, it is looking very stark indeed.

"We could be losing 40% of our businesses if they do not open by the end of September."

Ms McClarkin said the figure equates to about 15,000 pubs and breweries.

Ms McClarkin said the perceived vision of people cramming into pubs once they eventually reopen was "something of the past".

She added: "There are going to be much fewer people inside our pubs and that is part of the reality going forward.

"In the current situation, people are nervous about socialising in the way they used to.

“It will take time to build that consumer confidence."

She said the two-metre distancing rule would also limit indoor capacity by about 70%.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is due to reveal the Government's "road map" on how the UK's lockdown measures will be eased.