Hospitality sector been unfairly targeted, says Cov CAMRA

THE hospitality sector has been unfairly targeted by “a Government with a Victorian mindset”, according to the Coventry branch of the organisation which represents real ale lovers.

The Coventry & District branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has urged the Government not to repeat past lockdown mistakes which have left the drinks industry high and dry.

Graham Paine of Coventry & District CAMRA said the full effect of the lockdown would not be known until pubs reopen, whenever that might be.

He said: “We are not going to know what effect this is having on pubs until the time comes when they are reopening.”

However Mr Paine, who edits the branch’s Pint Sides publication and also sources beers for the Coventry Beer Festival said it was encouraging that no pubs locally had been forced to close for good so far.

He said: “We are not aware of any pubs that have closed since lockdown has been on.”

Speaking about the pub industry generally he added: “Obviously there are going to be casualties.”

Mr Paine also said there was much to look forward to, particularly the opening of Coventry’s first micro pub, Hops d’amour, which has been taking shape on Corporation Street.

He said: “There have been all sorts of barmy ideas emanating from the direction of the Government.

“The Scotch egg debacle - talk about making things up on the hoof. Absolutely ridiculous. There has been no discussion with the pub industry beforehand. They float these ideas another one was the 10pm curfew which haven’t been discussed with the industry.

“The hospitality sector has been unfairly targeted by this Government they still have this Victorian mindset. They seem to be living in the Victorian era. Three-and-a-half million people are waiting to hear if their jobs are safe.”