Pubs and clubs' turnover plunged 39% in May compared to 2019 in a more than £1.5billion hammer blow to the sector, it emerged today - as total takings across the hospitality industry reduced by a quarter despite a takeaway boom. Total hospitality turnover has increased to £6.9b in May 2021 - up from £1.2b from the same month a year earlier. This rose further to £6.9bn by May 2021 after restrictions were partially eased, although this was still around 25% lower than 2019. As the country moved through the pandemic, the hospitality sector adapted to the changing restrictions, with the proportion of businesses temporarily closed falling from 81% in the spring lockdown to 54% in the early 2021 lockdown. Experts estimate around 1.7million people are still self-isolating after being 'pinged' by the NHS Covid app or contacted by Test and Trace.

Source: Daily Mail July 19, 2021 12:33 UTC