Terror attack recovery will take 'six months'

by Tony Halstead

Trade leaders believe it could be another six months before London's pubs fully recover from the effects of last June's terrorist bombings.

Business in some central and West End outlets are still as much as 10% down as the tourism industry struggles to persuade people to visit the capital.

Some destination and familyattraction venues have lost as much as 25% of their business, according to Westminster Licensees Association chairman Alex Salussolia.

'Trade in many pubs, particularly those around the Kensington, Chelsea and Notting Hill areas, have seen a big drop.

'Things are gradually on the mend but I think it could be a good six months before we see things back on an even keel, Salussolia said.

'Visitors are still generally reluctant to come into the capital but the hope is that with the run-up to Christmas building up, the improvement might accelerate, he added.

Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers chief executive Nick Bish said he believed the general trade downturn was currently between the 7% and 10% mark.

Bish said: 'Pub trade has been robust in some areas, but it is tourism and visitor levels which have damaged a lot of pub businesses.

'People have to make the decision whether to visit London or not and are asking themselves whether they go elsewhere instead.

'The problems have been compounded by ongoing problems in the retail sector generally.

He added: 'West End operators have got to have faith that the situation will recover in time.

Trade groups have called for a package of rate relief from the Government to help venues ride out the storm.

They claim licensees have already been hit by extra business costs, plus hefty bills in connection with licensing reform.