Bedford pubs could stay closed even if outdoor service is allowed in April, claims BBPA

It's because they don't have a big enough garden
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More than 29,000 pubs - 60 per cent of all pubs in the UK - will remain closed if outdoor service is permitted at pubs from April, according to the British Beer & Pub Association.

The trade association says this is because the majority of pubs in the UK do not have a big enough garden or outdoor space to re-open and serve customers without opening indoors too.

The figures come as speculation and reporting suggests that outdoor service could be permitted in hospitality venues from April.

60 per cent of all pubs in the UK will remain closed if outdoor service is permitted at pubs from April, according to the British Beer & Pub Association60 per cent of all pubs in the UK will remain closed if outdoor service is permitted at pubs from April, according to the British Beer & Pub Association
60 per cent of all pubs in the UK will remain closed if outdoor service is permitted at pubs from April, according to the British Beer & Pub Association

The BBPA says that as this is unfeasible for the majority of pubs and that pubs should be allowed to re-open fully, outside and inside, when non-essential retail also opens.

It says around 75 per cent of UK pubs have a beer garden or outdoor space, but that only 40 per cent of pubs are likely to have a beer garden or outdoor space big enough.

Even then, if many with big enough outdoor spaces did open, they could still struggle to break even as they would still have vastly reduced capacity and significant practical challenges such as the April weather to deal with.

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said: “Let us be clear, outdoor service at pubs is not the same as properly opening pubs both inside and outside and is not commercially viable.

“If pubs do open outdoors only in April – we believe just 17 per cent of UK pub capacity will actually open. This would result in a loss of turnover to the sector of £1.5billion when compared to trading in normal times. That is far from reopening and recovering.

“We question the Government’s thinking behind this and suggest they consult with us as a sector on it.

“We urge the Government to open our pubs inside – and outside – when non-essential retail also opens. By then, the vaccine will have been rolled out to millions more, and pubs can open whilst continuing to follow exemplary hygiene measures, world leading standards in guidance and social distancing."

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