pubs closed
Pubs might stay shut for another five months because of fears over social distancing during the Covid crisis new reports reveal.
The nation is currently in lockdown and Brits have been ordered to stay at home until mid-February, although it is likely that the lockdown measures will remain in place until late March.
Pubs are set to be the last businesses to reopen, with the first bank holiday in May being touted as a possible reopening date by cabinet ministers.
Chief executive of pub group Marston’s, Ralph Findlay, said:
“The pub sector has been closed for much of the last nine months and remains in a very difficult position. Regrettably there have been casualties across the sector and it is vital that the government reviews urgently the opportunity to continue to support pubs as we reopen the economy in the coming weeks. Pubs are viable businesses which are part of the social fabric of Britain and which make a major contribution to the economy and the communities in which they serve.
It is vital that they not only survive the short-term crisis but are supported in order to recover and flourish. Extending the business rates holiday and VAT cut for the rest of this year is a minimum requirement.”
Nik Antona, Camra chairman, said: “The national lockdown is yet another devastating blow for an already struggling industry, which follows hot on the heels of nearly a year of restrictions, curfews and forced closures. It is clear now more than ever that the Government must introduce a new, long-term and sector-specific financial support package to help these businesses survive the coming months. While one-off grant support is welcome, it is nowhere near enough to cover the haemorrhaging costs for pubs and breweries that don’t see any end in sight.”
Chief executive of Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA), James Calder, said: “This is simply the next blow after months of struggle for England’s community pubs and small breweries. For the first time in lockdown, the Government intends to ban takeaway alcohol sales, which have been a lifeline to these small businesses. Sales through takeaway, click and collect and drive-through have enabled many to just about survive up to now. This reversal in policy directly discriminates against small businesses while allowing supermarkets to continue to sell beer from global breweries.”
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