10% sales drop due to riots and disorder

There has been violent disorder in a variety of areas across the country since three young girls were killed in Southport.

Operators reported sales in towns where rumoured protests were due to take place was as high as 40% with firms also stating footfall dropped by three quarters (75%).

UKHospitality (UKH) stated there were widespread cancellations, especially in coastal towns where coach and day trips were cancelled.

Enormous impact

City centres also saw mass events pulled with many workers being instructed to work from home.

Over the weekend, business secretary Jonathan Reynolds called on the Association of British Insurers to “swiftly get payments out” to firms affected by the disorder.

UKH chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “These figures are startling and shows the enormous impact the riots and threat of further disorder have had on our high streets and communities.

“Bustling, vibrant city centres were turned into ghost towns as the public stayed at home and businesses shut.

“Thankfully, protests and riots didn’t materialise as feared this weekend and we can now turn to how we support our high streets to recover at a time when many were already struggling with the affordability of running a hospitality business during challenging economic times."

Swift action

She added: “Hospitality is the glue that knits our communities together and our sector stands ready to work with the Government to play a central role in the renewal of our high streets after the challenges of the past 10 days.

“For those businesses sadly affected, that work has already begun and I’m grateful the secretary of state has backed our call for swift action from insurance companies dealing with claims.

“Quick action on practical measures like insurance claims will be crucial for businesses to get back on their feet.”

Last week (Wednesday 7 August), both UKH and the British Beer & Pub Association issued advice​ for pub operators impacted by the disorder including citing the Government’s compensation scheme for riot damage, which give victims of criminal damage or loss during a riot the right to compensation.