This is the second Mothering Sunday many pubs have missed out on as Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged the public to avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and other social venues on 16 March 2020, before announcing the first full national lockdown just a few days afterwards (23 March).
The millions of pounds worth of trade the industry will miss out on was calculated by the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) and the trade association also emphasised the importance the Government follow the roadmap, allowing pubs to trade fully from 21 June.
Great shame
Due to the restrictions, many operators including Fuller’s and Oakman Inns have produced meals and experiences for customers to enjoy at home for the occasion.
BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin said: “A pub Sunday roast on Mother’s Day is one of life’s simple pleasure, yet for the second year in a row, families will not be able to celebrate the occasion at their local.
“The pub is the place where we connect and spend quality time with one another, so it is a great shame they are not open for Mother’s Day again."
Next best thing
McClarkin added: “From a trade perspective, it does mean our pubs will miss out on some much-needed support too. On a typical Mothering Sunday, they would expect to sell some 12m pints and 3.6m meals – that’s £86m in trade they could really do with right now.
“As ever, our locals are still doing all they can to serve their communities, despite the lockdown, safely. This has seen pubs innovate and create ‘makeaways’, cooking kits and more traditional takeaways. Although it isn’t quite the same as being in the pub, it is the next best thing.
“It is becoming all the more clear the Government must ensure all our pubs are open and able to trade fully from 21 June, as indicated in the roadmap.”
