Pubs across Hampshire fear closure as tier 2 system comes into place

Many pubs in Hampshire could be forced to close their doors over the Christmas period as the area enters new Tier 2 restrictions, analysis suggests.

The closures will lead to thousands of people loosing thier jobs as businesses are faced with massively reduced turnover , according to research by the British Beer and Pub Association.

The BBPA estimates that 718 venues across Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton will be forced to close in December.

Pubs and bars are only allowed to stay open if they are operating as restaurants, this means alcohol may only be served with a “substantial meal.”

For those pubs such as the County Arms in Winchester who heavily rely on student for business, they are concerned about trade.

One employee Georgie Taylor said: “Because a lot of students are going home this week, and we cant have our other regulars in just for a pint so we will have less trade”

Speaking to several students on campus at Winchester university, there is a common concern for being able to afford a substantial meal in order to drink with housemates. 

The 66% closure rate is based on a survey of 32 of the BBPA’s members, which own 16,000 pubs between them.

The group also estimates that pubs in Tier 2 which are able to open will see a 58% drop in their December turnover compared to the same month last year, based on a separate survey of 446 businesses.

It is unknown how long Hampshire will remain in Tier 2, but as of now pubs will close at 11pm with last orders at 10pm and remain open for a substantial meal with people of your own household.