BROMSGROVE residents are spending more money in the pub when allowed back indoors, but limits on social contact mean spending is still below pre-pandemic levels.
Banking firm Revolut analysed the data of its 4,000 customers in Bromsgrove between May 17 – when indoor hospitality resumed – and June 13.
Pub goers spent 53% more in the boozer over this period than they did compared to the previous month – when only outdoor hospitality was allowed.
But spending was still 43% below the level recorded in February 2020, before the pandemic.
However, licensee of The Cross Inn at Finstall, Ryan Carr, says his pub has not seen a drop in income. He said: "Since opening inside we have had a slight dip in trade as we have a lovely big garden and a lot of places were not open so people came to us.
"We have more of a local trade compared to pubs in the town centre so we haven’t had general drop in sales as compared to last year. Whereas pubs in the centre rely on a passing trade which I think has took a drop.
"People are not going into town as much - young people specifically as night clubs aren’t open and young people seem to be staying local while restrictions are still in place."
Manger of the Ye Old Black Cross on Worcester Road, Josh Matheson, also said Covid restrictions have not led to a decrease number of customers and therefore spending. He said: "Restrictions have not led to a drop in spending, rather the cost of running the business is higher with our break even point being a lot more.
"For example, now that we have to have table service instead of having three members of staff on on a Friday night, we need six.
"We are a town centre pub but we have a mixture of local and centre trade as in the week we get locals and on the weekend we have the centre trade."
Hospitality sector leaders including the British Beer and Pub Association, UK Hospitality and the Campaign for Real Ale say they are “bitterly disappointed” by the delay to the so called 'freedom day', which they estimate will cost pubs £400 million alone.
A joint spokesman said: “Our sector is facing one of its toughest periods in its history and this latest delay is yet another setback.
“Many pubs cannot break even under current restrictions and around 2,300 still remain closed
“It is now absolutely critical that the Government provides our sector with further support – else the recovery of our pubs will be over before they’ve even been given a chance.”
They have also called on the Prime Minister to prioritise the additional £1.5 billion business rates support package announced back in March, to ensure eligible businesses such as brewers can apply as soon as possible.
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