Around 25,000 pubs in England would be unable to reopen if two-metre social distancing guidelines are in place, new research warned on Wednesday.
The British Beer & Pub Association, which represents pubs and brewers, said it estimates that if the current distancing rules were to remain in place when sites reopen, only a third of England’s pubs (12500) would be ready to start serving again.
It said this could leave up to 25,000 pubs closed with major concerns over when, if ever, they will be able to reopen.
The BBPA, which surveyed its members, said under one metre social distancing guidelines, 75% (28,000) of England’s pubs would be able to reopen.
Companies are calculating whether their sites can serve enough customers, with social distancing measures in place, to make them financially viable. They are also looking at how practical it is to open under certain conditions.
Pub owners, which had to shut sites in March when the lockdown came in, are working towards reopening from July 4, and seeking more details on social distancing plans.
Some countries have adopted the one metre distancing guidance, and the Prime Minister has previously said he hoped the two metre social distancing rule could be reduced.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA, said: “No reduction in the two metre social distancing guidelines will severely restrict the recovery of our sector. Countless other countries from across the world are using one metre for social distancing as advised by WHO (the World Health Organisation). Why can’t we?”
The BBPA has urged the Government to review the two metre guideline for social distancing ahead of the publication of sector guidance on reopening.
