Small pubs and restaurants are paying the price of the Covid lockdowns.

New research shows there are almost 10,000 fewer licensed premises across the UK since the start of the Covid crisis and the first lockdown.

It shows no sign of letting up with 980 closing their doors between July and September this year despite the reopening of the economy.

A market recovery survey from industry consultants CGA and business advisory firm AlixPartners, reported by Sky News, said the sector, including bars, pubs and restaurants, had reduced by 9,900 since the crisis began (around 6,000 in 2020).

Businesses have been hit by a wide range of problems aside from the enforced closures. Staff shortages, the pingdemic, disruption to supplies and rising costs have all taken their toll.

Small independent businesses have borne the brunt as chains were more able to adapt.

The report highlights nightclubs as being particularly badly affected with almost 100 lost since July.