It is remarkable that for the time being the catering industry may only receive customers outside and that the temperatures in the morning were still around freezing. Food sales did decline 11.7 percent, making total sales 59 percent higher than two years ago. The number of reservations has increased by 150 percent and many establishments are fully booked in the coming weeks.
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An estimated 40 percent of UK catering establishments, some 41,000 bars and restaurants, can receive customers. Much of this has remained closed. According to the British Beer & Pub Association, some 15,000 bars are currently open with limited capacity. The other cases should not open until the next phase of the easing, scheduled for May 17.
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