Bristol landlords already struggling due to skyrocketing energy costs and cheap supermarket booze fear that a third change could see pubs shut down for good. Around forty venues with outdoor seating on car parks and pavements will have to give this up when a temporary law expires in October.
The Traffic Orders Procedure (Coronavirus Amendment) Regulations 2020 has made it easier for local authorities to authorise extended road closures so that pubs could accommodate customers without breaking social distancing rules. But this short-term law ends next month, leaving some venues without any outdoor seating.
Some worry that, after two years of reduced trade and uncapped business power bills rising by unlimited amounts, lower seating capacity will see outgoings eclipse their income and force them to call time on their venue. Ben Cheshire, landlord at The Coronation in Southville, expects his takings to fall by up to four fifths.
