Coronavirus: 62% of people plan to spend as much or more than they did before on eating out

As restaurants prepare for re-opening beyond Covid-19, new research commissioned by People 1st International provides encouraging signs that customers are ready to return if the correct measures for health safety are in place.

Two thousand people aged 18 and above took part in the research, which focuses on the behavioural attitudes and factors impacting a return to leisure activities such as pubs and bars, restaurants, holidays, non-food shopping and visiting local attractions.

Asked about what would influence their decision to take part in these activities, more than half of respondents cited the importance of the following five factors:

• Crowd levels (69%)

• Ability to social distance (64%)

• Confidence in infection control measures (63%)

• Cleanliness and hygiene (61%)

• Confidence that staff have been trained in these new measures (54%)

Commenting on the findings, Jane Rexworthy, Executive Director of People 1st International said: “These are encouraging findings in light of the challenges facing the hospitality sector. They also highlight that staff training to support health and hygiene beyond Covid-19 is critical to building consumer confidence."

The younger generation appear to be spearheading the return with 34% of 18-24 year-olds saying they plan to do so more often than before, a sentiment shared by 21% of 25-34 year-olds. Overall, nearly three-quarters (71%) of those aged 18-24 plan to eat out as regularly or more so than they did before, with just 26% saying that they will do so less often.

Overall, almost six out of 10 of those surveyed (59%) across all age groups said they would eat out as regularly (43%) or even more frequently (16%) than before the pandemic. Another positive sign is that half (50%) of respondents aged over 65 say that the pandemic will not affect how frequently they eat out, and a further 9% plan to do so more often. I

n terms of the economic impact on the sector, the good news is that 62% of people plan to spend as much or more than they did before on eating out. People 1st International are offering WorldHost 2020, a new e-learning programme which meets the professional standard for service operators which helps employers prepare themselves and their people to work safely - in line with guidance soon to be released from UKHospitality - and is being offered at a reduced rate of £5+VAT to make it accessible for all types of organisations during this difficult time.

David Sheen, Public Affairs Director at UKHospitality added: “It’s reassuring to hear how consumers feel about returning to pubs and restaurants and the industry is looking forward to reopening their doors in a safe way to their many loyal customers. These findings reiterate the importance of training your people in the new hygiene measures and social customer experience factors to a recognised standard, so having the professional standard for service operators provides an invaluable benchmark to ensure training meets a defined national standard.”