Fri 20th Mar 2020 - Sector like-for-likes fall 15% in week before government warning Sector like-for-likes fall 15% in week before government warning: Like-for-like sales at Britain’s managed pub, bar and restaurant groups fell 15% in the week up to Sunday (15 March) – before prime minister Boris Johnson’s warning the public should avoid going to pubs, clubs and social venues because of the growing coronavirus threat. Weekly figures from the Coffer Peach Business Tracker showed like-for-like sales in restaurant chains down 21%, with managed pubs down 12% and bars falling 14%. “Public concern about the virus was already taking its toll on the out-of-home market even before Boris Johnson’s intervention on Monday, said Phil Tate, chief executive of CGA, the business insight consultancy that produces the Tracker in partnership with The Coffer Group and RSM. “We can only expect the figures to worsen this week. We also know London has been hit much harder than other parts of the country, even before the spate of closures that have followed the official advice to stay at home and avoid pubs, bars and restaurants.” On Thursday (19 March), CGA released the results of a snap consumer survey that suggested 58% of adults aged 18 to 65 who usually went out to pubs, restaurants and bars would heed the advice and stay away. During the coronavirus emergency CGA is publishing weekly trading data from the Coffer Peach Business Tracker, backed up by the results of regular snap consumer surveys. These are being shared with UKHospitality to support lobbying efforts with the government for further support. Tate added: “It is vital the market receives the most up to date and accurate data on which to base the crucial business decisions companies will need to take.”