Almost a quarter of pubs, bars and other licensed premises were still closed at the end of August, according to new figures.

Hospitality venues were forced to shut their doors in March, but were given the go-ahead to welcome customers from July 4.

However, new figures from the latest market recovery report by CGA and AlixPartners has shown that nearly 27,000 licensed premises are yet to reopen.

It said that 76.3 per cent of venues had reopened by the end of the month, increasing from 61.7 per cent at the end of July.

Meanwhile, only 68.2 per cent of independent sites have reopened, compared with 89.1 per cent of chain-owned businesses.

Pubs have been quicker to return after the end of lockdown than other venues, with 89.4 per cent of community pubs now welcoming regulars again.

Two thirds, 67.2 per cent, of bars and 54.8 per cent of licensed sports and social club venues, are back open, according to the research.

Karl Chessell, director for food and retail at CGA, said slow footfall and local lockdowns give cause for caution in the autumn.