Pub body says industry needs financial aid to survive latest measures

Tougher anti-Covid restrictions will “decimate” pubs without further government support, an industry body has warned.

The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) said the Tier 2 Covid-19 measures banning households from mixing indoors could lead to permanent closures in the sector.

Despite the fears of the sector, it is understood senior government officials believe that for lockdowns to work, bars and restaurants must be included in the measures.

Some 3,640 pubs and 7,556 restaurants across London will be affected, according to analysis of official government data by real estate adviser Altus Group.

BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin said the tighter measures will leave “most pubs fighting for their very survival”.

In a statement yesterday she said: “Tier 2 restrictions will decimate pubs, brewers and their supply chains in these regions unless a proper package of support is given to them.

“All pubs are already particularly struggling due to the current restrictions of the 10pm curfew, Rule of Six and low consumer confidence exacerbated by low footfall caused by a lack of tourists and commuters.

“Tier 2 measures mean pubs can remain open, but households cannot mix inside them.

“This completely kills our pubs’ business model... yet under Tier 2 restrictions they are not eligible for any additional financial support from government, unlike in Tier 3.”

The warning came as pub chain Marston’s said it is cutting around 2,150 jobs following a drop in trade.

The firm blamed recent nationwide measures to tackle the surge in coronavirus cases.

Ms McClarkin said the government “must now do the right thing” and announce financial support measures to pubs in the affected regions.

Robert Hayton, Altus Group’s head of UK property tax, said: “Further restrictive measures which adversely impact trade, already at far lower levels than before the pandemic, without any discerning targeted support, could be the death knell.”