Traders slam Covid rules
VALLEY traders and business chiefs have hit out at “moving goalpost” coronavirus regulations governing the hospitality sector, including the 10pm curfew.
One pub described the curfew as “ridiculous”, and is encouraging other venues to join their campaign in lobbying local MPs, while there are fears the county’s unexpected tier 2 reprieve could be short-lived.
Callam Hartley, manager of The Eagle of Child in Ramsbottom, said they are campaigning on behalf of the whole hospitality sector, and also for taxi drivers.
He said: “Everybody is crowding out at 10 o’clock wanting a taxi and everyone is on the streets, and the worrying thing is when everyone is piled out of the streets not everyone is staying at a safe distance. They are just crowding from bar to bar. There’s no social distancing from that point of view.”
Callam said ongoing uncertainty over seemingly ever-changing restrictions are frustrating for pubs like theirs, which has been “going the extra mile” to make sure they are complying with all the regulations.
“It’s heartbreaking for us having to go round, especially on a Saturday night, calling last orders to people who are finishing their main meal. They might not even have time to have a dessert,” he added.
Pub bosses were due for a meeting with Ramsbottom Conservative MP James Daly to discuss concerns.
Callam added: “He’s supporting us quite well but we want to see actions and that our words are being heard.”
Earlier this month publican Mike Jones closed Casked Ale House in Rawtenstall, saying customers were “sick of all the fun being sucked out of the experience” by tightening regulations, including mask wearing and household mixing restrictions.
Representatives from The Bacup Business Association (BBA) say they have won a meeting with Rossendale MP Jake Berry after calling for pubs and restaurants to remain open until 11pm, as well as a more “realistic” Job Support
Scheme.
Rachel Weinhold, of the BBA, said Bacup was particularly affected by changing hospitality restrictions because of the recent influx of cafes and bars in the town - many of which have quite fragile cash reserves.
She said: “Businesses are really running on empty. Everyone has been doing everything right, but they feel like the goalposts are constantly being moved. There are more restrictions being put in place every single day.”
She added: “I think [our members] are just very confused, and starting to get a bit disgruntled by it. I’ve got some people in the BBA who are adamant there is no virus and it’s all a con; they’re in the minority fortunately.”