Wetherspoon boss hits out at “economic and social mayhem” as profits plunge

The boss of pub chain J D Wetherspoon has implored the government to implement “sensible policies” to support the survival of the UK’s hospitality industry.

The comments have been made as the firm publishes its preliminary results for the 26 weeks ending January 24 2021.

During the above period - when lockdown has been in place across England - the firm saw a pre-tax loss of £68m.

Tim Martin, the chairman of J D Wetherspoon plc, commented: “Wetherspoon and its employees, along with the hospitality industry, have worked very hard to comply with ever-changing government guidelines.

“It is disappointing that so many regulations, implemented at tremendous cost to the nation, appear to have had no real basis in common sense or science - for example, curfews, “substantial meals” with drinks and masks for bathroom visits.

“The future of the industry, and of the UK economy, depends on a consistent set of sensible policies, and the ending of lockdowns and tier systems, which have created economic and social mayhem and colossal debts, with no apparent health benefits.”