Businesses ‘will be close due to Tier 3
THE decision to put the North East into the toughest set of coronavirus restrictions will lead to closures among the region’s pub, restaurant and nightlife venues, business groups have said.
The restrictions, which will last until at least December 16, will mean that hospitality businesses can open only for takeaway.
The new regulations also come at one of the most important times of the year for the firms affected, with the peak Christmas period usually tiding them over quieter months in the New Year.
The Journal and The Chronicle’s Save Our Scene campaign has been highlighting the dangers to the region’s famed nightlife businesses, and calling
for more Government support to get them through the lockdown period.
Tens of thousands of people come to the area every year because of the area’s nightlife, but dozens of businesses have closed either permanently or until further notice after saying it is impossible to make operations commercially viable.
Now groups representing many of the companies affected have called for greater support to keep businesses afloat while the restrictions apply.
Sarah Green, chief executive of NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said: “Today’s announcement is devastating news for the tourism and hospitality industry and unfortunately will signal the closure of some businesses, with many more now making the decision not to open their doors until Easter.
“Under normal circumstances, hospitality businesses can take up to 30% of their annual turnover in the month of December and this cash is then used to pay wages through the quieter months of January, February and March.
“While we understand that these decisions are not taken lightly, these measures will have a major impact, with long term economic consequences, loss of jobs and the resultant effect on the mental health of residents.
“We need more support for the tourism and hospitality industry to save as many jobs and businesses as possible and ensure that when visitors return to our region they can enjoy everything that makes the North East unique.”
She was backed by Adrian Waddell, chief executive of Newcastle city centre business improvement district NE1 Ltd, which represents 1,400 companies.
He said: “It is enormously disappointing tha t Newcastle and the
North East have been put into Tier 3 with all the restrictions that brings.
“This will be crushing news for our beleaguered hospitality and leisure sectors. December, and the Christmas run-up, is one of the most important trading months for businesses who need this time to build reserves to carry them through January and February which are notoriously quiet.
“Newcastle’s bars and restaurants are clearly bearing the brunt of the new Covid tier system so that shops, cinemas and gyms can reopen under the Government’s Winter plans.
“Whilst this is good news for our retailers, who will be able to reopen next week, it’s a blow for our hospitality sector, that are only allowed to offer takeaways if they open at all.
“The transmission rates for the city and the wider region have shown a steady decline over the past week and if things keep going the way they are, we must stand a good chance of moving down the tiers at the next review, due on December 16 and regularly thereafter. “These reviews should be responsive to local circumstances and what the data shows, rather than a Whitehall calendar. Businesses know how to keep their customers safe – we need to get them all trading again as soon as circumstances and the numbers allow.”
The new Tier restrictions mean that cafes, bars and restaurants must close with the exception of click and collect, takeaway and delivery services.
Indoor entertainment and tourist venues must also shut though nonessential retail, gyms and leisure centres, and hairdressers can re-open.
Political leaders in the North East of England urged people to stick to the coronavirus rules so the region can move on from the Tier 3 restrictions as quickly as possible.