Let’s provide a Bank Holiday boost for all

On this Bank Holiday weekend, they are banking on us. Who are? Sunderland’s many bars, cafes and restaurants, that’s who.

These were businesses that had to close for sit-in custom last November and who were only able to reopen earlier this month.

That means you have to go back to August Bank Holiday 2020 for the last time they could welcome people inside and serve them food and drink on a public holiday.

So there is understandably a lot of excitement heading into this weekend. And that’s where we all come in.

For not only are these venues hoping for some sunshine over the long weekend, they are also hoping for lots of your custom.

Restaurants and bars love nothing better than welcoming back both regular customers – and there is plenty to catch up on – as well as serving new punters too.

A successful Bank Holiday weekend will give out local economy a much-needed boost and further boost everyone’s hopes that better times and a return to what we regard as normality is coming back.

And it also means enjoying ourselves without overindulging. Have a good time but don’t take it to excess. Think about those serving you and think too about our frontline emergency services who will be working this weekend. Nobody wants to see them faced with unpleasant scenes.

Whether you are planning a visit to the city centre or to the seafront, have a great Bank Holiday weekend.

And let’s hope the sun shines on our local businesses. After some tough times, they deserve it