The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA), the leading trade association representing brewers and pubs, has today revealed that 6 in 10 (59%) pub-goers say they are looking forward to meeting up with friends and family more easily at the pub when restrictions are removed on ‘Freedom Day’.
The new research, conducted by research organisation KAM Media on behalf of the BBPA and Long Live The Local, comes as restrictions on pubs will be lifted on Monday 19 July.
In the survey conducted by KAM Media, half of Brits (47%) also said they were looking forward to the atmosphere returning to normal when restrictions end.
Nearly a third of pub-goers (29%) said they missed chatting to pub staff like they used to before COVID restrictions came into place, suggesting that for many this was a key part of the pub atmosphere they missed.
Half of the most regular pub goers (51% of those who visit a pub more than once a week), said that they were most looking forward to ordering at the bar once more as restrictions are lifted.
Crucially for pubs – who can only begin their recovery from COVID from Monday once restrictions are lifted – 4 in 10 Brits (41%) said they will visit the pub more often.
The BBPA said that the recovery of the brewing and pub sector only begins from ‘Freedom Day’. It is therefore fully backing the Long Live The Local campaign, which is celebrating the full return of the pubs we love, but is also calling for Government investment through the reform of VAT, Beer Duty and Business Rates.