Restaurant boss slams ‘shambles’
GOVERNMENT’S TIER 3 U-TURN ‘ABSOLUTELY BONKERS;
A RESTAURANT owner initially told he would be operating under Tier Two restrictions has labelled the Government’s U-turn a “shambles”.
Tom Browns restaurant in Gunthorpe is in the Newark and Sherwood district, now included in Tier Three – along with the rest of the county.
But Robin Perkins, the owner of the restaurant, was planning a number of changes for later this year
Tom Browns Brasserie is launching an Alpine-themed outdoor space in marquees at the front of the restaurant. Alpine Social will feature flame heaters, Alpine lodge-style decor and warm winter cocktails from November 5.
However, the new measures will make this more challenging for Mr Perkins – as groups from different households are no longer allowed to mix outside pubs and restaurants.
He said: “If it’s 28 days and we’re back in Tier Two, it won’t be the end of the world for us. Bookings are unfortunately going to drop off a cliff because of this, but we are still cracking ahead with everything.
“We will try and get through it by doing takeaways and we’ll probably use any money we are given by the Government.
“We may end up closing on a Tuesday as well as a Monday because there simply won’t be enough customers – but we’ll see.”
He has criticised the last-minute decision to include the whole county in Tier Three.
“It’s a shambles from the Government,” he said. “It’s absolutely bonkers.
“It’s been confusing for a lot of people – they were ringing us up asking if they could come when we were classed in Tier Two, so it’s made it clearer in a way.
“It could be worse, but it couldn’t be a lot worse!”
823 pubs in the county will be affected by the new measures, putting at risk 13,500 sector jobs, according to the British Beer and Pub Association.
Chief executive Emma Mcclarkin said: “This is a very worrying time for pubs, brewers and their wider supply chain in Nottinghamshire.
“13,500 livelihoods are dependent on pubs in Nottinghamshire. Government financial support now needs to be delivered to them as quickly as possible to help their cashflow and cover their immediate costs.
“The 9pm curfew on off-licence alcohol sales is also greatly concerning. It will severely impact brewers whose ability to sell through retail outlets is vital to their survival whilst so many pubs are closed.
“It is hugely worrying to see this additional alcohol curfew put into place with absolutely no evidence to show how it will fight the spread of the virus.”