Call to support traders during Tier 3 restriction
SOUTHPORT residents are being urged to support local businesses with the vast majority still open despite new coronavirus restrictions.
The town’s inclusion in the most severe Tier 3 restrictions mean that gyms, casinos and pubs which don’t serve food have all been forced to close down. Meanwhile, pubs and restaurants which can stay open are only allowed to serve alcohol drinks with main meals and many are operating on reduced opening hours.
The restrictions could prove fatal for large numbers of businesses which have already endured a hugely difficult year and Southport BID CEO Rachel Fitzgerald has asked the town to give its support to those which are still operating.
Ms Fitzgerald said that residents can shop and dine in Southport with full confidence after businesses put huge amounts of effort and time into operating safely, ensuring that customers and diners can social distance.
She said: “It is devastating to see great businesses forced to close again, but we hope this will be a very temporary measure and that they will be back open again soon.
“Financial support for those businesses and their staff members has been made available by the Government. We are aware that there is huge concern that these measures do not go far enough.
“We are ensuring these concerns, along with other BIDs nationally, are shared with National BID bodies who are working with central Government to negotiate wider support.
“We are happy to help any of the businesses in the Southport BID area which need advice, and will continue to keep businesses updated on changes as they happen through our website and social media.
“It is more important than ever that local people keep taking advantage of all that our town has to offer and support our local independents if they are to survive.
“We can still enjoy lunch with our household groups, or get take away coffees and take a walk with a friend and we can most certainly still start our Christmas shopping and enjoy being in a safe, open air town.”