Pub bosses urged to apply for ‘wet-led’ support grant

PUBS in the Staffordshire Moorlands that predominantly serve alcohol can now apply for the Christmas Support Grant Payment to compensate them for the impact of closure over the festive period due to Covid restrictions.

One-off payments of £1,000 are available to pubs in tiers 2 and 3, and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council is now inviting applications from eligible businesses.

To qualify pubs must:

Be liable for business rates and operate as a wet-led pub business that derives less than 50 per cent of its income from sales of food.

They must also, under normal circumstances, be described as open to the public; free to enter other than when occasional entertainment is provided; allowing drinking without requiring food to be consumed; and permitting drinks to be purchased at the bar.

Council leader Sybil Ralphs said: “The restrictions have been particularly difficult for pub businesses – especially those that don’t serve food – and they will feel the impact even more during the festive season when they can generally rely on bustling trade.

“That’s why these grant payments are so important. I’m pleased that we’ve been able to open up the application process so Moorlands pubs can apply for this help sooner rather than later, and I encourage those businesses that meet the criteria to complete the online form on our website at their earliest convenience.”

Final applications must be received by January 31.

To find out more and apply, go to staffsmoorlands.gov.uk/coronavirus-businessFinancial-support