Closure of hospitality venues during lockdown impacts Brits’ mental health

The closure of pubs and other hospitality venues during lockdown has directly impacted the UK’s wellbeing with younger adults the worst affected, according to research from the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD).

2,055 people were surveyed for this. 62% believe the social and mental wellbeing of the population has declined due to the closure of hospitality venues.

49% said the experience of lockdown has helped them appreciate the contribution that pubs, bars, restaurants, and cafes make to their social and mental health.

Our members’ world-first global #partnership with online retailers, #ecommerce & delivery platforms is raising standards in responsible sale & delivery of alcohol online to help combat harmful drinking. Read more: https://t.co/080Hwv8BD5 pic.twitter.com/KQRjutxWdB
— IARD (@IARDnews) June 2, 2021

The research comes as restrictions on gathering in groups and stand up drinking in venues are lifted on what has been dubbed “Freedom Day”, after a tumultuous 18 months for the hospitality industry.

When asked which reasons for visiting hospitality venues had become more important to them during lockdown, 41% of people cited spending time with friends and family, followed by relaxing away from the home or work environment (34%).

They also had a greater appreciation of the chance to enjoy food and drink prepared by someone else (30%) and the ability to avoid feeling lonely (19%). 3%, meanwhile, want to drink heavily with friends because, you know, this is the UK we’re talking about here.

70% of Brits agreed that measures introduced as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic had changed the environment of hospitality venues for the better, compared with just 8% who felt it had been negatively impacted.

When asked what recent changes they would like to see remain in place after restrictions are lifted, improved cleanliness (61%) and better indoor ventilation (54%) were the most popular factors.

These were followed by improved outdoor facilities (50%), the option for table service in more venues (48%), and digital ordering/payment systems (37%).

Henry Ashworth, CEO at IARD, says: “As well as being major employers, our local pubs, cafes, bars, and restaurants make our villages, towns, and cities vibrant places to live and work, creating important spaces for us to socialise and relax with friends and families.”

“The introduction of alfresco dining and cleaner venues has set the stage for us to rebuild a safe and thriving café, bar, and restaurant culture, which we have so sorely missed. It is incumbent on us all to enjoy these spaces responsibly.”