‘We need definite date for ending restrictions’
HOSPITALITY chiefs have demanded “certainty” and further support as plans to ease pandemic restrictions on June 21 are likely to be pushed back.
The Prime Minister is expected to announce today that the fourth stage of the roadmap out of lockdown will not go ahead in full as planned.
Jonathan Neame, chief executive of pub owner Shepherd Neame, said the Government must confirm a date for the axing of all restrictions if there is any delay.
He said: “The key thing right now is certainty. If there has to be a delay then it should be short and time specific.
“What we absolutely can’t have is a return to a cycle of five-week reviews without knowing how things will end up.”
The company runs more than 300 pubs in London and the South East and said the end to social distancing must not be cast aside.
Mr Neame added: “The basis has always been justification that we need to reduce hospitalisations and decrease the burden on the NHS.
“We’ve seen the strength of the vaccine rollout and it appears we have been doing what’s needed to achieve this, so let’s not move the goalposts now. The end will also have to see the full end of social distancing. It is essential to remove distancing to make so many bars and pubs viable.” Latest industry figures revealed that pubs, bars and restaurants reported a 26 per cent sales plunge in May against the same month in 2019 despite the easing of restrictions. Kate Nicholls, chief executive of trade body UKHospitality, said: “Hospitality businesses cannot continue to operate under conditions that leave them unable to trade profitably and so we echo the importance of Government support should there be any delay to the complete lifting of restrictions on June 21.”
The moratorium on rent payments is due to expire at the end of the month and the business rates holiday for retail, leisure and hospitality firms is due to change from full relief to a discount limited at £2million.
The trade body boss added: “Among other measures, the Government must postpone business rates payments until at least October and extend the rent moratorium.
“Hospitality can play a key role in the economic recovery of the UK – but only if given the proper support.”