Coronavirus: UK pub trade fear 'catastrophic' Covid-19 closures would destroy industry

WORRIED pub owners are facing their darkest hour as the industry braces itself for ‘catastrophic’ closures amid the coronavirus crisis.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Boozers across the Portsmouth area have revealed the mounting sense of dread over whether or not they will survive the pandemic.

It comes as pubs in the Republic of Ireland were forced to shut up shop as the country’s government attempted to slow the pandemic.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Colin Johnson, managing director of Southern Counties Taverns, runs eight pubs across Portsmouth, Fareham, Farlington, Rowner and Bognor, and feared forced closures would be ‘devastating’.

Portsmouth's Newcome Arms. Photo: Mick YoungPortsmouth's Newcome Arms. Photo: Mick Young
Portsmouth's Newcome Arms. Photo: Mick Young

‘The impact of this will be catastrophic. It may be the end of licensed premises as we know it,’ Mr Johnson warned.

‘This is by far the worst time for the pub industry. We survived the 2008 recession. This is starting to make that look easy.’

Portsmouth recorded its first confirmed case of Covid-19 – the deadly viral disease that has killed more than 6,500 worldwide and 35 in the UK – on Saturday.

Read More
Coronavirus in Portsmouth: latest updates as first patient with virus dies in Po...
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Meanwhile, Hampshire is Britain’s most infected region outside London, with 53 confirmed cases of the illness.

Despite this, Curtis Jones, deputy manager of the Wine Vaults, in Albert Road, said city pubs were trying to put on a brave face and insisted it remained ‘business as usual’ - for now.

He said pubs had no idea how long a quarantine might last and added: ‘We’re all a bit uncertain as to which direction the country is heading in and what it’s going to look like. Everyone is on edge about it.

‘Realistically, it’s about staying open and putting that smile on and making sure our customers feel as relaxed as possible, given the state of the emergency that we’re facing.’

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Johnson, who has worked in the pub trade for 35 years, said he was already preparing to temporarily close his outlets - potentially as early as next week.

He urged for the government to put a halt on business rates, if closures were demanded, and called on industry bodies to back payment holidays for pubs to limit the damage done.

‘Pubs are still going to have overheads but if every man, woman and dog is trying to get money from us - when we’re closed for weeks - it could send the industry out of business,’ he added.

Councillor Steve Pitt, deputy leader of Portsmouth City Council, was a publican for more than 30 years and feared the city’s entire cultural scene could be under threat.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He said: ‘So many people could be impacted by this. Pubs are part of a network of businesses that depend on the cultural economy.’

Portsmouth council boss Gerald Vernon-Jackson said authorities across the UK were lobbying the government for urgent measures to help businesses survive the pandemic.

He added: ‘The government has a responsibility to look after businesses. If businesses are going to be hit very hard by the coronavirus there needs to be support in place to help them.

‘We don’t want our pubs, theatres and concert venues to go out of business - that would be an appalling legacy.’

Coronavirus: the facts

What is coronavirus?

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus.

What caused coronavirus?

The outbreak started in Wuhan in China in December 2019 and it is thought that the virus, like others of its kind, has come from animals.

How is it spread?

As this is such a new illness, experts still aren’t sure how it is spread. But similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. Therefore covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, and disposing of used tissues straight away is advised. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long.

What are the symptoms?

The NHS states that the symptoms are: a dry cough, high temperature and shortness of breath - but these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. Look out for flu-like symptoms, such as aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose and a sore throat. It’s important to remember that some people may become infected but won’t develop any symptoms or feel unwell.

What precautions can be taken?

Washing your hands with soap and water thoroughly. The NHS also advises to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze; put used tissues in the bin immediately and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell. Also avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean.

Sources: World Health Organisation and NHS

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.