Many pubs and restaurants in the UK are deciding to open their doors for shorter periods of time, faced with staff shortages, soaring energy bills and rising inflation.
A recent survey of the eating and drinking establishments carried out by the British Chamber of Commerce found that three-quarters are operating below capacity. More than others, the sector is facing declining sales.
Since the summer, more and more establishments are limiting their opening hours, confirms UKHospitality, which represents the sector. Hotel rooms are being closed, restaurants are reducing their seating capacity or cancelling some services. Some pubs are only opening later in the day or even staying closed for an extra day.
According to the British Beer and Pub Association, over 85% of pubs in the UK plan to reduce (or are already) opening hours over winter, with many citing alarming heating costs as the primary reason to limit opening times. Though some experienced a boost over the festive period, now is traditionally a tough time for many small businesses with households tightening their belts in anticipation of a difficult year ahead.
Credit: BBC
A recent analysis by the BBC found that hospitality venues such as restaurants and pubs were some of the most susceptible to struggling with debt; in November, 331 food-serving establishments had to close doors permanently as they were unable to maintain their operational costs.
In total, 6,293 hospitality firms have started insolvency proceedings since 2020.
