The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA), the leading trade association representing brewers and pubs, has today responded to the latest Market Recovery Monitor from CGA and AlixPartners.
Published today, it reveals that the pandemic and lockdowns have forced 6,000 licensed premises, which includes pubs, to close for good in 2020.
Emma McClarkin, BBPA's Chief Executive, said, “These figures show what a devastating year 2020 was for pubs. Our sector is far from out the woods yet though and it continues to fight for its very survival through the pandemic in 2021. We fear things could actually get much worse before they get better for our pubs and brewers.
“Given this latest evidence showing how the COVID crisis and lockdown is ripping pubs away from their communities for good, it is more important than ever that the Government backs our local pubs and brewers.'
McClarkin continued, 'Pubs are the heart of our communities and have a vital role to play in the economic recovery. If they are to survive the current onslaught they face though they need backing from Government.
“This means grants delivered to them immediately before it’s too late. It also means reopening properly along with a stimulus package that helps pubs to thrive including extensions to the Business Rates holiday and VAT cut, as well as a beer duty cut.”