Pubs are set to miss out on selling an estimated 85 million pints this Easter due to the continued closure of hospitality venues under coronavirus restrictions.
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), a leading trade association representing brewers and pubs, has revealed that pubs in the UK will be losing out on £325m in trade across the Easter bank holiday weekend, with venues forced to remain closed until 12 April at the earliest.
Pubs also remain unable to sell takeaway beer over the long weekend, thanks to a ban on venues selling alcoholic drinks as takeaway, introduced earlier this year with the third lockdown.
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Currently, pubs and restaurants aren't on track to open until 12 April, when outdoor service will be permitted. This will be followed by indoor service reopening on 17 May, before all restrictions are lifted on 21 June at the earliest.
According to the BBPA, the loss of beer sales over the normally-popular bank holiday weekend will result in the sector losing out on selling 85m pints - or the equivalent of £325m in trade - which would have been crucial to its recovery.
It also said the forced closure was particularly 'sad' as the weather is set to be good, meaning under normal circumstances people would flock to their local beer gardens.
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Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said: "A visit to the pub over Easter is one of life's simple pleasures, but sadly for the second year in a row our pubs remain forced shut.
"Millions of pub goers will be missing out on a trip to their local for a cold beer and pub dinner, as well as valuable time spent in the company of others.
"It's a major disappointment for pubs and publicans too, who cannot wait to reopen for their communities and for who the Easter trade would be a major boost.
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"Instead, they will miss out on selling some 85m pints worth £325m in trade to the sector.
"It is particularly sad as the sun will be out this Easter, yet people will not be able to soak up the rays in their local pub beer garden.
"It is imperative the Government's roadmap to reopening in England does not get delayed. We hope our pubs will be able to start re-opening outdoors from April 12th and from there on it is key the roadmap is stuck to and pubs are fully reopened without restrictions by June 21st."
The BBPA has said it is crucial that, following limited outside opening in April and indoor service in May, pubs in England 'can re-open and trade fully from June 21st as stated in the Government's roadmap for reopening'.
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Featured Image Credit: PA
Topics: UK News, bank holiday, News, Pubs