Three quarters of operators not continuing discount scheme into autumn
The Hospitality Leaders Poll from Lumina Intelligence also found that of the 234 operators asked, 52% said the Government discount incentive had not created an environment where customers expect reduced prices after August.
When asked if it had, a quarter (25%) said it would damage their business a lot, 47% said a little and 27% said not at all and it could be beneficial.
This comes after a number of operators announced they would be extending the offer throughout September.
Latest figures
Star Pubs and Bars, Oakman Inns, Hall & Woodhouse and Arc Inspirations have all pledged to fund the continuation of discounts.
The Government-backed scheme, which officially wraps on 31 August, has allowed operators to offer customers a 50% discount – up to a maximum of £10 per person – all day, every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday food and non-alcoholic drinks consumed on site since 3 August.
According to the Treasury’s latest figures, it has seen more than 64m meals claimed so far with three quarters (77%) of consumers supporting an extension throughout September according to YouGov.
Following the success of the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, Heineken’s pub arm Star Pubs and Bars, has pledged an extra £250,000 to ensure that its 90 Just Add Talent managed sites can continue offering the same discount throughout September.
Zero tolerance
Almost half (47%) of the sector leaders said they have zero tolerance for operators not abiding by the guidelines with one in three (30%) saying they should be named and shamed.
In response to how much of an impact the VAT cut had on their business, those surveyed were split between no impact (34%), partial positive impact (33%) and substantial positive impact (32%).
Confidence over the past few weeks has been up and down with the latest poll showing the number of operators responding with levels of confidence down from last week’s 73% to 67%.
