Pubs must improve customer service

Pubs must improve their retail standards, a new survey has claimed.

Retail Eyes surveyed 6,523 consumers on which sector delivers the best customer service — just 6% said the pub and bar sector delivered good service.

Customer service at hotels was rated top with 52% of votes with restaurants receiving 23% and supermarkets 11%.

"Some of the things we found that turn off customers the most about drinking in pubs and bars are tables with empty glasses or dirty plates left out, having to wait long at the bar and bar staff that aren't interested or engaging," said Tim Ogle, chief executive of Retail Eyes.

"What's worse is that those sectors that are delivering bad customer service could be missing out on potential revenue streams while establishments delivering excellent customer service are at an advantage; attracting and retaining customers from the competition."

Over half (56%) of respondents claim to have left an establishment before making an intended purchase due to poor service and 7 out of 10 are prepared to pay more for a product or service if it means they receive better service.