Pubs and bars were forced to close this week as cold and wet weather hit the UK and dampened outdoor trade. Many operators had been anticipating a bout of bad weather since reopening for outdoor trade from Monday 12 April. There have been calls from hospitality and tourism bosses for an additional bank holiday in September to help businesses recover from losses. The Dog & Parrot in Eastwood, Nottinghamshire was one site to shut over the bank holiday weekend after it felt it would not be safe to operate. The pub was hit by “torrential rain and strong winds” on Monday (3 May) after managing to remain open on Saturday and Sunday despite cold temperatures.