Some interesting statistics worth sharing with our blog readers as published by the on-line trade publication The Spirits Business. Nielsen CGA, the well-known data crunching company recently surveyed 1600 consumers in New York, California, Illinois and Florida.
Nielsen reports that 28% of the respondents would return to on-premise venues (restaurants and bars) that had social distancing measures in place as the economy re-starts. Another 23% stated that they would only begin to venture out to restaurants and bars once the number of Covid-19 cases begins to drop on a sustained basis. Interestingly, a full 22% of those surveyed responded by stating that they would return to their favorite bar or restaurant as soon as they reopened.
Of paramount importance to consumers, the survey revealed, when beginning to venture out to on-premise venues, is fewer tables or patrons within the venue to effectively accommodate social distancing requirements. Other concerns include on-premise venues ensuring that enhanced hygiene programs are in place (presumably for both staff and patrons) and continued availability food and drink take-out options.
The survey also found that restaurant takeaway service has stabilized with overall business down by 68% since the pandemic began, up from 75% down at the start of April. In regard to overall alcohol consumption 27% of consumers report they are drinking more alcoholic beverage since the pandemic began with minimal percentage differences amongst the various age groups.
It seems that when bars and restaurants begin to open up operators must put in place those safety measures that address the concerns of their patrons and staff and must also effectively communicate to them that the safety measures are in place. All indicators point in the direction of a phased in and slow approach to the opening US businesses. Employee and consumer confidence building measures and programs, based on health and safety concerns should be implemented. The restaurant industry and its individual constituents, so hurt by this pandemic, must effectively design, execute and communicate the existence of public health measures if they are to regain lost business with some element of expediency.