Tube strikes are "nightmare" for London pubs, hotels and restaurants, says BHA chief exec

London pubs and other hospitality businesses face a “nightmare” caused by tube strikes, the British Hospitality Association (BHA) has warned.

Industrial action began yesterday evening and is set to continue throughout today (6 August).

BHA chief executive Ufi Ibrahim said: “London needs the new round-the-clock tube service on weekends as soon as possible - it is essential to keep up with global cities like New York and Berlin and to support London’s 24-hour lifestyle.

“The unions should call off their strike action and allow London to continue to welcome visitors with open arms… we hope that trade union leaders will be able to avoid further strike action in the future so out members can continue to welcome guests uninterrupted and to protect London’s place as the top destination in the world.”

However, when strikes disrupted travel in February 2014, the effects on hospitality businesses were varied, with some operators actually reporting an increase in trade.