UK Hospitality Business Dips Down Further From Omicron Surge

Web Desk — Britain’s pandemic-weary hospitality industry has been hit hard by soaring coronavirus cases caused by the Omicron variant this season, as anxious customers cancel bookings and curtail socialising.

Pubs, restaurants, and bars – already suffering from reduced revenue due to the pandemic for nearly two years – now face lost income during the busiest and most valuable time of the year.

Pascal Aussignac, chef and owner of five French restaurants in Britain, told AFP that this week is typically the biggest of the year.

In the UK, the government switched to its “plan B” last week in response to the Coronavirus, advising people to work from home if possible and mandating they wear masks inside most indoor settings.

Kate Nicholls, head of trade body UKHospitality, said hospitality sales have already declined by more than a third over the past 10 days, with 2 billion pounds ($2.7 billion, 2.4 billion euros) in trade already lost in December.

A resturant owner fears further restrictions, which could be introduced after Christmas, will further squeeze the sector.