The value of total receipts for the restaurant sector was $10.5 billion in the second quarter of 2003, a 20% fall over the same period last year.

The value of total purchases of restaurants fell 16% to $3.6 billion. After discounting the effect of price changes, total restaurant receipts fell 19% in volume. This reflects the restaurant sector in the second quarter was dampened by the spread of SARS.

Analysed by type of restaurant, total receipts of Chinese restaurants declined most significantly, by 26% in value or 24% in volume.

Total receipts of bars also fell markedly, by 21% in both value and volume, while total receipts of non-Chinese restaurants dropped 15% in value or 13% in volume.

Total receipts of fast food shops declined 11% in value or 10% in volume. As to miscellaneous eating and drinking places, total receipts decreased 9% in both value and volume.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, the volume of total restaurant receipts decreased 13%.

Comparing the first half of 2003 with the same period last year, total restaurant receipts decreased 14% in value or 13% in volume.