New research by JLA has revealed that pubs and bars have the worst perceived hygiene and infection control standards within the hospitality sector. About 22.2% of the public view pubs and bars as having “poor” hygiene and infection control standards and 77% of the public hold greater concerns around hygiene standards compared to the year previously. With the hospitality sector reopening its doors to customers as Covid-19 restrictions ease, pubs and bars are most in danger of missing out on key trade due to poorly perceived hygiene and infection control standards.
Conversely, according to the national representative survey of 2,000 members of the public, restaurants hold the best public reputation for hygiene in the hospitality sector, with 52.8% of consumer respondents happy with standards in these businesses, and only 12.2% having a poor opinion.
Hotels rank in the middle of the hospitality industry, with 45.8% of those surveyed believing that standards are currently either “good” or “excellent” and just over an eighth (12.2%) of customers hold a negative opinion. It is clear that having a strong reputation for hygiene and infection control is now critical to public trust, with the report also highlighting that 77% of the public hold greater concerns in this area compared to the year previously – attributing this change directly to Covid-19. The same research also showed that if a hospitality business had a poor reputation in regard to hygiene, 65.1% of the public would never use the business again due to the heightened infection risk.
Ben Gujral, CEO at JLA, commented: “Unfortunately, hospitality is among the sectors hardest hit by the financial fallout of Covid-19. One in 10 consumers has not visited a pub, restaurant or hotel since lockdowns began, highlighting the importance of providing reassurance to loyal customers that may currently be reluctant to return.
