Fuller Smith & Turner reopens over 90% of managed sites

Pub landlord Fuller, Smith & Turner said on Thursday that over 90% of its managed sites were now open for business after being forced to shutter as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Fuller said sales at its managed locations had "grown steadily" since reopening on 4 July and were now at 80% of last year's figures on a like-for-like basis.

The group added that trading across its estate in August had been buoyed by Downing Street's "Eat Out to Help Out" scheme, which grew trade and encouraged consumers to come back to the pub.

Almost all tenanted inns were said to have reopened, with commercial rent being reintroduced for Tenants on a tapered basis from August.

Chief executive Simon Emeny said: "We are still at the start of a return to normality, but we are quietly confident with the way business is progressing.

"It has been an incredibly challenging time. We have implemented a clear strategy with our phased reopening plan that included introducing a number of digital-led initiatives to improve the customer journey, taking every possible step to keep our teams and our customers safe, and keeping a tight focus on costs."

As of 0905 BST, Fuller, Smith & Turner shares were up 3.77% at 570.71p.