Portsmouth News

Their futures after new rules brought in

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invested, in some cases, everything they own into their venues and we cannot stand by and watch them lose everything - new restrictio­ns need to be followed up with new additional commercial support.’

Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, the county’s largest not-for-profit business support and networking organisati­on, called for more support from government.

Ross McNally, Hampshire Chamber chief executive and executive chairman, said: ‘The new restrictio­ns on pubs, bars and restaurant­s will dismay many in the hospitalit­y and leisure sectors already bracing themselves for the withdrawal of furlough support in just a few weeks’ time.

‘We therefore call on government to consider a targeted, flexible approach to furlough to help mitigate the impact of the restrictio­ns.

‘While of course the country can’t continue with a fullyfledg­ed furlough subsidy for all sectors indefinite­ly, there is a good argument for maintainin­g a level of furlough support specifical­ly for hospitalit­y and leisure..’

From Monday, a maximum of 15 people will be allowed to attend wedding ceremonies and receptions.

Andrew Pearce, from Creatiques in Southsea, said:

'It is ridiculous. You are allowed to go into pubs, schools and supermarke­ts where there are lots of people but you are not allowed more than 15 people at your wedding. A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

‘People want to celebrate that with their friends and families. There is so much that goes into that day. The wedding industry has been neglected.’

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