Footfall down by a third compared to 2019

17-Dec-2021 - Last updated on 17-Dec-2021 at 09:29 GMT

Number crunching: data found footfall in venues was down by about a third against 2019 information (image: Getty/MediaProduction)

Visits of guests to hospitality venues have fallen by between 31% and 35%, according to data logged in the first half of this week.

Statistics from Wireless Social indicated venue log ins and footfall was seeing a steady return to 2019 levels in recent months.

However, after the Government’s implementation of Plan B, which includes urging people to work from home, alongside a rise in Omicron cases, has meant there has been a dramatic drop.

The data found Wi-Fi log ins on Wireless Social’s network across the nation showed visits had decreased by 35% on Monday 13 December, 34% on Tuesday 14 December and 31% on Wednesday 15 December, compared to the same period in 2019.

Plummeting consumer confidence

When broken down to show levels in the capital, log ins in London fell by 43% on Monday, 44% on Tuesday and 45% on Wednesday.

Wireless Social founder and CEO Julian Ross said: “It’s clear consumer confidence has plummeted ahead of what was meant to be a return to normality and a well-deserved booming period for hospitality operators.

“We’re seeing wave after wave of cancellations across the sector, which is completely understandable however, it is absolutely essential the industry gets financial support from the Government, as without it, the impact on businesses will be catastrophic.”

This comes after Greene King boss Nick Mackenzie called for further Government support ahead of any future potential restrictions.

Significant reductions

Speaking at the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group Christmas reception, Mackenzie said the past few days had shown customer confidence was “fragile”.

He added: “Many businesses have seen significant reductions in trade, particularly in London and city centres. I can tell you even in my business in parts of London, we have seen like-for-like sales against 2019, down 50% to 70% since the work from home message was delivered.

“This means further support for the sector, prior to any further restrictions, will be critical if we want to again preserve the livelihoods and jobs the Government did so well to preserve over the past two years.”