SPENDING in pubs across Weymouth and Portland is down by 14 per cent compared to last year - because a number of venues have been unable to reopen under Covid restrictions due to lack of outdoor space.

But one landlord in Weymouth who has been unable to yet reopen his doors to customers said the delay had given him more chance to prepare.

As part of the roadmap to bring the country out of lockdown outdoor hospitality reopened in England from April 12.

Those without outdoor space have been forced to remain shut.

Banking firm Revolut has compared spending power in pubs and bars to February last year - before the Covid pandemic.

Figures show that, with some venues lacking outdoor space amd not able to serve drinks yet, spending in Weymouth and Portland pubs was 14 per cent down on February last year.

Despite this, the average transaction in pubs in the area was £20.51 last week – up 40 per cent on an average week before the pandemic.

Weymouth and Portland drinkers also spent much more than the average round across England last week - at £16.03 per round.

Hospitality data specialists at CGA said operational constraints and the unpredictable British weather mean three in four venues in England are still closed.

A spokesman from CGA said: "While some may open over the next few weeks, we'll have to wait another four weeks until it's feasible for many hospitality venues to reopen again.

"Until then, operators deserve support from local authorities to make the most of outdoor trading space – not to mention some sunshine."

One venue which has not been able to reopen due to not having sufficient space for outdoor facilities is Finns in Westham Road.

Finns landlord Stephen Perry said: "It's not necessarily been frustrating.

"It has given us time for more preparation because there are always decorating and finishing touches to be made."

From May 17, indoor hospitality will be allowed to reopen under Step Three of the Government's guidelines, along with museums, cinemas and hotels, should the data allow. Additionally, two households will be able meet indoors for the first time since Christmas.

"We actually reopen on May 17," said Mr Perry.