London will see 100,000 shops forced to close, as well as pubs and restaurants

From Thursday 5 November until Wednesday 2 December, to reduce infections aimed at stopping the coronavirus crisis deepen, the Capital will see 100,000 shops forced to close, as well as pubs, restaurants and hair salons.

The real estate adviser Altus Group has taken a look at certain sites that will be impacted across London’s 32 boroughs and the City during the crucial run-up to Christmas trading period. The company has also looked at which sectors can keep stores open.

Shops

Upto 75,599 non-essential retail shops will have to close in London. This includes clothes shops, furniture shops, travel agents, vape shops, electronic stores , and others . There are also 949 betting shops that will not be able to welcome customers back until at least December.

Shops allowed to remain open include 7,266 superstores, smaller supermarkets, convenience stores and other food retailers.

In addition, 186 pharmacies , 1,221 banks and building societies, and 193 post offices are expected to stay open.

Pubs, bars and restaurants 

These premises are allowed to open for takeaway services only. Food and drink may not be consumed at the premises affecting 3,640 pubs, 238 wine bars and 7,556 restaurants. Takeaway alcohol will not be permitted.

Hair and beauty salons 

Personal care facilities such as hair, beauty and nail salons, tattoo parlours, spas, massage parlours, body and skin piercing services, non-medical acupuncture, and tanning salons must close with 1,555 business premises affected. 

Accommodation businesses

Hotels, hostels and other accommodation should only open for those who have to travel for work. It remains to be seen how many of the 1,553 hotels, guest & boarding houses remain open.