Two thirds of operators predict three more months of closure, poll finds

The Hospitality Leaders Poll, conducted by Lumina Intelligence on behalf of The Morning Advertiser​, MCA​, Big Hospitality ​and Restaurant​, also asked 275 operators how much of an impact the ban on takeaway alcohol had on their business.

This move by the Government provoked an on-trade backlash, with bodies including the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) and the Campaign for Real Ale) calling for the decision to be reversed.

While the majority (59%) were not affected at all by it, more than a quarter (27%) where somewhat affected and 15% have been significantly affected.

Grant response

Just over three quarters (76%) of respondents stated the new grants of up to £9,000 dependent on rateable value​ were of some help with 13% saying they would help significantly and one in 10 (11%) saying the funding would be of no use to their business.

Many operators have recently come forward to offer their currently closed sites up as vaccination centres​ in a bid to help roll out the vaccines quickly.

These include BrewDog and Loungers alongside Oakman Inns, which offered to forego the grants it would be eligible for in exchange for its venues being used as vaccine hubs​.

Confidence levels

Respondents to the poll were also asked if they would offer their venue in this way if it meant the jabs were dished out quicker and a return to normality.

Some 76% stated they would be happy to do so, with 14% saying they wouldn’t and 9% unsure if they would.

The survey has asked operators on their levels of confidence in the future of their business each week and the latest poll found 41% were quite confident – this was marginally up from when the same question posed at the beginning of December where 39% said they were quite confident.

However, a similar proportion (39%) were not confident, 13% were simply confident and 6% were very confident.