The government scheme aimed at boosting restaurants and pubs post-lockdown began this week with UK diners being able to get 50% off eat-in food and drink on Monday to Wednesdays. The scheme is being offered at more than 72,000 venues.The government scheme aimed at boosting restaurants and pubs post-lockdown began this week with UK diners being able to get 50% off eat-in food and drink on Monday to Wednesdays. The scheme is being offered at more than 72,000 venues

David Trunkfield, Hospitality and Leisure Leader at PwC, said, We regularly speak to the industry and there was broad consensus that it will take a year or two, at the very least, for sales to return to pre-crisis levels. The new government scheme to encourage consumers to visit their local restaurants and pubs can only be a positive step in encouraging spending. However, the question remains whether the discounts on offer will prove to be the encouraging push people need given many people are still cautious of going out to eat and drink.

The scheme could also present some challenges to the industry as it may distort trading patterns, with implications for operating efficiently. For example it could pull more trade to traditionally quiet mid-week evenings but reduce trade on weekends.

Looking ahead, operators will need to continue to think carefully about the route to recovery. Many sites remain closed, particularly across the restaurant sector where only 29% chain sites are open, as opening needs to be done when operators can be sure of generating enough income. Phased re-openings and further development of channels such as delivery, meal kits or retail will be crucial to how hospitality businesses perform in the coming weeks and months.

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