National hospitality sales

Recent far-right violence and threats of rioting in the UK have led to a significant decline in hospitality sales, with an overall drop of 10% and as much as 40% in towns where protests were anticipated. Many businesses reported footfall decreases of up to 75%, particularly in coastal areas where coach trips were canceled and city centers saw mass event cancellations. UKHospitality's chief executive, Kate Nicholls, highlighted the startling impact on local communities and emphasized the role of hospitality in uniting them. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds is supporting calls for insurance companies to expedite claims to help affected businesses recover. Thankfully, no major protests or riots occurred over the weekend, allowing for a renewed focus on supporting high streets amid ongoing economic challenges. The situation underscores the urgent need for practical measures to assist the hospitality sector in bouncing back.