Rioting and threats of further widespread disorder across England led to a 10% decline in hospitality sales last Wednesday, according to industry figures.
Following riots in recent weeks, rumours of nationwide disorder midway through last week hit sales across the country, trade body UKHospitality reported on Monday.
This was as high as 40% in certain areas, the group said, with some businesses reporting up to a 75% drop in footfall.
The hit was particularly seen in coastal towns and came after the threat of riots saw people work from home and prompted widespread cancellations of the likes of coach and day trips.
“These figures are startling and shows the enormous impact the riots, and threat of further disorder, have had on our high streets,” UKHospitality boss Kate Nicholls said.
“Thankfully, protests and riots didn’t materialise as feared this weekend and we can now turn to how we support our high streets to recover.”
She added the riots came “at a time when many were already struggling with the affordability of running a hospitality business during challenging economic times”.