Some 210 bars in Hong Kong have closed in the last six months due to the pandemic, accounting for 15% of the entire industry.
As CEO of UKHospitality, Kate Nicholls OBE has been instrumental in holding the government’s feet to the fire when it comes to saving the sector. She tells Lucy Shaw about her role, and what the industry is likely to face over the coming months.
Despite the relaxation of coronavirus restrictions, Covid-19 and the effects of the lockdowns will change the face of the licensed trade. When the rush back to the pubs and restaurants settles, the longer-term impact could easily eclipse that of drink-driving legislation and the smoking ban combined.
The UK government has laid out the timeframe for the reopening of the hospitality sector and easing of wider lockdown restrictions in England.