Oldham Liberal Democrat Leader, Councillor Howard Sykes MBE, fears the Prime Minister’s announcement that Covid-19 restrictions will last another month will mean yet more local pubs being lost, unless further financial support is soon forthcoming.

“Whilst I understand that the Prime Minister has made this decision based upon scientific advice, the delay will put further pressure on hospitality business which have been impacted disproportionately by lockdowns and trading restrictions since March of last year”, said Councillor Sykes.

Last week, the British Institute of Inn-keeping estimated that 1 in 10 pubs nationwide was expected to fail if there was a delay in the easing of restrictions, and the trade body UKHospitality has said that the delay will cost the sector around £3bn in sales.

Councillor Sykes added: “Hospitality is one of the UK’s biggest employment sectors, and often the sector in which our young people begin their working lives.  Since March 2020, pubs and restaurants have been unable to trade for many months. When they could do so they have faced onerous trading restrictions because of social distancing, table service and early closing. They have also invested heavily to make their premises ‘Covid-safe’ and now employ more staff to serve at tables.

“This is why I believe the government needs to announce more financial support for our hospitality sector during this torrid time, such as extending furlough and the business rates holiday.  Pubs and restaurants are an integral part of our local  communities; we must not let them fall at the last hurdle”.