Change in pub, bar & restaurant sales compared to pre-COVID-19 levels in the UK 2020

Although sales remained down following the re-opening of bars, pubs, and restaurants in Great Britain in July 2020, figures show signs of recovery for the industry. In August 2020, like-for-like sales of pubs and restaurants were only down around 10 percent compared to 2019, largely down the influence of the 'Eat of to Help Out' scheme. Sales dipped again in September, as the scheme ended, with bars suffering the most with a 42.7 percent fall. By December, bars continued to suffer as sales fell as low as 87.2 percent during what could have been the busiest season of the year.

Like-for-like sales had already begun to fall at the beginning of March when the public were warned to avoid pubs, restaurants and other venues in an attempt to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus. Shortly after, the country went into a full lockdown, with premises only able to open for takeaway and delivery.