New measures which have been put in place by the Government create a ‘bleak and dark winter’ according to two West Cumbria hospitality and nightlife firms.
The Prime Minster announced new measures for England on Saturday (31st October) by means of a press conference with measures including the closure of non-essential retail shops and the closure of the hospitality industry, pubs, restaurants etc.
Danielle Lee, Director of Club 135 Limited who owns the popular Club 135 in Whitehaven said: “With new measures comes inconvenience for everyone, but particularly as a business owner and in the hospitality industry. However, I do believe that we must do what’s right when it comes to protecting the vulnerable and keeping the R rate down.
“Since early September when we reopened, we had a working track and trace app system, which then worked alongside the NHS test and trace when that was rolled out. We also ensured we minimised movement around our venue by having a brand-new app downloaded which allowed guests to order and pay from their tables.
“It’s not great and is a blow to the industry but we must persevere, heads down and hope we can reopen come 2nd December. Above all for us, we must take care of and look after our staff. A dark winter is fast upon us and this one is inevitably going to be different and difficult so I do hope we can all work together in order to have a little more freedom come Christmas time.”
Richard Mawson who owns The Kellbank and The Lion & Lamb in Gosforth said: “The extension to the furlough scheme is of course welcome news. At the minute we are actually better off shut rather than at 25% capacity, given, we have the continued financial support.
“A bleak winter ahead, but time to get the R rate down.”
Both company bosses employ teams of staff within their companies and they hope that further winter financial support and packages are provided and that they are tailored to the industries which need it the most. It has been thought that around 500,000 jobs have already been lost in the industry due to the effects of COVID.
Steven Alton CEO of the British Institute of Innkeeping said: “As Government chooses devastating restrictions, with lack of supporting evidence in our sector, it must match them with comprehensive business support. Only an investment package now will prevent a permanent loss of our ability to play our part in the UK recovery.”
