145 million additional pints to be sold with one-metre rule

Following the government’s announcement that social distancing is to be reduced to one-metre, CGA has calculated the precise sales boost this could give hospitality.

According to the data group, the move would allow for 145 million additional pints of beer to be sold through the hospitality sector, compared with what would have been sold with the previous two-metre social distancing.

The new rule has come as a “welcome relief” to the food and drink sector, the CGA has said.

Its original forecast was based on the two-metre social distancing remaining in place until the end of August, meaning outlets could only trade at around 30% capacity.

With a one-metre rule in place, however, it has calculated that sites can trade at 70% capacity, equating to a “significant difference” in sales as a result of increased capacity alone.

The figures were reportedly based on CGA’s longstanding on-premise measurement service, which measures all drinks sales in licensed venues.

Jonny Jones, CGA’s director of client services, said: “As well as the difference in sales, more outlets are likely to open in July, as their businesses become viable at 70% capacity. 

“The combination of more outlets opening and a significantly higher capacity across all who do, equates to an additional 145 million pints of beer sold over the remainder of 2020, although this does depend on consumer confidence and how people feel about going out again.”

He added: “Our data suggests there is enough pent-up demand to max out sales at this level of supply, but many consumers are still cautious about returning to the trade and want to see precautions put in place to ensure their safety. 

“It’s now down to operators to market their credentials as Covid-19 safe, and ensure that customers feel comfortable to visit their outlets.”