Dismay at new licensing rules and calls for financial support packages
GOVERNMENT: don’t assume our pubs can survive without help. The imposition of stringent new restrictions on pubs and bar was met with some dismay by CAMRA Southport & West Lancs branch, writes Neville Grundy.
The experience of our members on the ground was that nearly all licensees were already doing their best to comply with the rules that were introduced when lockdown was lifted.
We saw the small minority that weren’t dealt with by the authorities.
CAMRA National Chairman Nik Antona had this to say:
“As things stand (at time of speaking), hospitality is the only sector to be subject to new restrictions.
“This will be devastating news for thousands of publicans across England who have been willing to do whatever is necessary to provide a safe,
Covid-secure place for people to enjoy the wellbeing benefits of having a pint with friends and family.
“The Government should not impose arbitrary restrictions that target one sector without explanation or evidence, which, so far, we have not seen.
“We are now calling for a new financial support package to be introduced for pubs immediately, which includes the extension of the furlough scheme and the cancellation of business rates for another year, or they risk countless pub closures and job losses.”
British Beer and Pub Association chief executive Emma McClarkin said: “Pubs are the original social network.
“We need measures put in place now, to ensure that they can survive and be ready to reopen when safe to do so and then help as they slowly recover.
“It will inevitably take time for consumer confidence to build. Social distancing restrictions in pubs will inevitably have a direct effect on footfall in pubs.”.
Doug Macadam, CAMRA Southport & West Lancs branch chair, added: “If the new restrictions remain for six months, as the Prime Minister has hinted, and if no extra support is provided, there is little doubt that huge numbers of pubs will be lost permanently.
“Pubs are so much more than just retailers of alcohol.
“Pubs provide a social life, especially for the many people who live alone, friendships are formed and maintained in them, family events – both happy and sad – are often marked there, and they provide venues for communal activities such as live music and watching big screen sports events.
“Their continued existence after Covid-19 cannot be taken for granted.”