Slow return of restaurant demand

There is evidence more people are starting to eat out, although not to the same levels as before the arrival of Covid-19.

In its mobility report of July 21, Google estimated visits to places to eat out and attractions was down 28 per cent on pre-Covid levels, which compared to a reduction of 36 per cent the week before and nearly 90 per cent at the height of the crisis.

Visits to grocery stores are 10 per cent lower than pre-Covid levels, but there is evidence from elsewhere that the reduced number of visits is outweighed by larger sales per visit, although not to the same extent as in the middle of lockdown.