Drink prices across Europe could rocket with ‘pay double Helpy Hour’ in Belgium and ‘covid service fee’ at Tenerife bars

A BOOZY evening on holiday might soon cost a lot more due to new schemes being introduced for the struggling tourism industry. Coronavirus service charges as well as ‘pay double’ offers are being suggested across Europe. The tourism industry has lost billions due to the pandemic as hotels and attractions have been forced to close […]

A BOOZY evening on holiday might soon cost a lot more due to new schemes being introduced for the struggling tourism industry.

Coronavirus service charges as well as ‘pay double’ offers are being suggested across Europe.

EPA

Boozy bargains may be a think of the past as bars struggle to make profit[/caption]

The tourism industry has lost billions due to the pandemic as hotels and attractions have been forced to close due to grounded airline fleets and travel bans.

Cafes, bars and restaurants are slowly reopening to the public but, having lost months of income, are looking at ways to increase revenue again.

A bar in the Canary Islands, who largely rely on the tourism industry, has begun charging punters a “covid service” charge.

A Tenerife tourist spotted a €1 additional fee on their receipt after buying drinks, with suggestions it was put into place due to additional hygiene measures being taken out.

A scheme in Belgium is asking boozers to pay double for drinks in ‘Helpy Hour’.

Promoted by the Federation of Belgian cafes, Fedcaf, Helpy Hour urges people to buy one drink for the price of two, to help bars recover following coronavirus.

Fedcaf’s president told local media: “For years, customers have been pampered with happy hour.

“Now, we are going to try to do the opposite with Helpy Hour, to help the cafes keep their head above the water.”

They added that it was temporary and happy hours would eventually return, but was needed to prevent an “avalanche of bankruptcies”.

EPA

‘Helpy hours’ and coronavirus service fees could be introduced across Europe[/caption]

While Brits may not be keen to hear about their holidays costing more, many establishments may fail to open at all this year after being forced to close.

In Majorca, 30 per cent of bars are unlikely to open this summer while Ibiza fears clubs could remain closed until next season.

Happy hours are also banned in Magaluf for good, in an attempt to discourage antisocial behaviour and law-breaking tourists.

A pub in Ireland joked that they could have to charge “€50 a pint” to make ends meet if they must follow 2m social distancing guidelines.

Pubs in the UK hope to open from July but may need to use outdoor spaces and gardens to be allowed punters back.

Pub gardens with outdoor hatches or bars could be able to resume normal service sooner than other establishments.

Wetherspoons have unveiled its plans for reopening its 875 pubs this year.