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Pubs and bars are still \u201cin limbo\u201d following Boris Johnson\u2019s announcement that parts of the hospitality sector must remain closed until at least July.<\/p>\nPubs and bars are still \u201cin limbo\u201d following Boris Johnson\u2019s announcement that parts of the hospitality sector must remain closed until at least July.<\/p>\n
The British Prime Minister said that though he hoped some venues could begin to open within months, subject to conditions and scientific advice, the UK should \u201cnot be driven by economic necessity\u201d.<\/p>\n
Industry bosses have expressed dismay at being \u201cfirst in and last out\u201d of lockdown, and say that if restrictions last until the end of summer, thousands of businesses could close down permanently.<\/p>\n
Others say that more detail is needed on how the British Government plans to ease restrictions, and acknowledged that it could be up to 12 weeks before even a \u201cpartial awakening\u201d of the sector.<\/p>\n
In his address on Sunday evening, Mr Johnson set out the steps in which measures would be modified, the last of which addressed the hospitality sector.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the earliest by July \u2013 and subject to all these conditions and further scientific advice; if and only if the numbers support it, we will hope to re-open at least some of the hospitality industry and other public places, provided they are safe and enforce social distancing,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThroughout this period of the next two months, we will be driven not by mere hope or economic necessity.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are going to be driven by the science, the data and public health.\u201d<\/p>\n
But officials stressed that pubs were unlikely to be allowed to start serving drinkers again in July, with pavement cafes and other outdoor venues likely to be the first parts of the hospitality sector to reopen.<\/p>\n
The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has warned that up 40% of Britain\u2019s pubs cannot survive beyond September with the current level of financial support being offered by the Government.<\/p>\n
It estimates that almost 19,000 pubs may not be able to reopen following the coronavirus crisis.<\/p>\n
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA, said despite looking for a \u201cglimmer of hope\u201d, the industry now faced further weeks of uncertainty.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith insufficient clarity as to when pubs will reopen, our sector remains in limbo and facing severe uncertainty and financial devastation,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf Government plans to keep pubs closed until the final phase of release, as rumored, this would make pubs first in and last out of lockdown.<\/p>\n
\u201cDespite this, the Government hasn\u2019t outlined any specific additional financial support for pubs to assure and help them through the extended lockdown hardship they face.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe understand that pubs should only open when safe to do so, but extending the lockdown without offering additional support will be devastating.\u201d<\/p>\n
She added that the closure of so many \u201csocial hubs\u201d would result in \u201cimmeasurable damage to the well-being of our nation\u201d.<\/p>\n
James Calder, chief executive of the Society of Independent Brewers (Siba) said: \u201cThis is a marathon, not a sprint and we continue to be at the core of discussions with Government about how our heritage, our culture and our right to have a good pint in a good pub is maintained for the long term.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will of course not put any pressure on Government to open pubs and taprooms ahead of when it is safe to do so.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut we will put pressure where it is needed to ensure our sector has a fighting chance of survival.\u201d<\/p>\n