Revolution Bars has revealed it will close some of its sites after the 10pm curfew slashed trade by a third - and it's not anticipating any signs of improvement until next spring at the earliest.
The nationwide group has bars at the Cornerhouse and in Broad Street, Hockley, and a third under the Revolucion de Cuba brand in Market Street.
There's also a bar in Derby at The Strand.
The late-night venues, known for vodka shots and bottomless brunches, have had to curb opening hours in line with the 10pm curfew imposed by the Government after a sharp increase in Covid-19 cases.
Business had started to pick up after lockdown restrictions were lifted in July, with sales at nearly 78 percent of the previous year but the curfew has hit it hard, with revenue dropping to 49% since it was enforced five weeks ago.
Six bars will have to close. They have yet to be named but around 130 jobs will be axed from the 2,500-strong workforce.
Rents will be reduced at seven bars more as part of a proposed CVA (company voluntary arrangement) that will be put to creditors on November 13.
The company said: "Given the latest government restrictions under which the group is operating, the group's trading outlook is uncertain and based on all the information and commentary available, the board now anticipates that the important Christmas trading period will be severely compromised and any return to near normal levels will not be possible before next spring at the very earliest."
Chief executive Rob Pitcher added: "Throughout this extended period of distress caused by Covid-19, the group has sought to prioritise the health and well-being of its staff and customers, minimise its cash consumption, maintain good levels of liquidity to ensure its ongoing viability and to be in a position to take advantage of opportunities that may arise once restrictions are lifted.
"The CVA proposed by the group's Revolution Bars Limited subsidiary entity, if agreed by landlords, is another proactive step to lower outgoings to help safeguard the future of the group and improve long-term performance."
