Only 1% of hospitality venues linked to Test and Trace incidences, study finds

A survey of more than 20,000 hospitality venues found just 1% had been linked to NHS Test and Trace contact incidences.

The study covered members of trade bodies UKHospitality, the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) and the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) and was conducted by CGA.

It found that respondents from more than 22,500 outlets only reported 275 NHS Test and Trace incidences.

Latest Public Health England data shows that hospitality was linked to just 2.7% of coronavirus cases.

The trade bodies say the findings show that pubs, restaurants and hospitality venues are Covid-secure.

They are reiterating calls for the government to remove the 10pm curfew, which they say is "massively damaging hospitality trade" in areas with lower risk.

A spokesperson for the trade bodies said: "The evidence is clear that pubs, restaurants and hospitality venues are Covid-secure. Singling them out is simply illogical, counterproductive and grossly unfair.

"Sage itself has called into question the effectiveness of the 10pm curfew and it is greatly harming our sector in medium risk areas. The government must consider removing the curfew."

The Caterer has launched a petition calling on the government to scrap the curfew. To sign click here.

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