Omicron hospitality and leisure grant applications invited

Businesses in the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sector impacted by the Omicron variant of COVID-19 are being encouraged to apply for one-off grants of up to £6,000.

Applications for the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant (OHLG) is now open and the deadline is March 18.

Councillor Ann Thomson, the leader of Barrow Borough Council said: “As the pandemic is still having a severe impact on businesses in the area, this funding scheme should provide some vital help and support to businesses that have been affected by the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

“I would encourage businesses in the borough to apply for the grant so that it can help them on the financial road to recovery.”

The OHLG funding will be available to organisations that were liable to pay business rates on December 30, 2021, and provide in-person services on the business premises in the sectors of hospitality, leisure and accommodation.

This includes food courts and cafes, public houses and wine bars, restaurants, casinos, cinemas, theatres, concert halls, museums, zoos, wedding venues, night clubs, soft play centres, caravan parks, hostels, bed and breakfasts, holiday apartments and hotels.

The grant award is based on the rateable value of the business premises:

Businesses occupying hereditaments appearing on the local rating list with a rateable value of exactly £15,000 or under on December 30 2021 will receive a payment of £2,667.
Businesses occupying hereditaments appearing on the local rating list with a rateable value over £15,000 and less than £51,000 on December 30, 2021 will receive a payment of £4,000.
Businesses occupying hereditaments appearing on the local rating list with a rateable value of exactly £51,000 or over on December 30, 2021 will receive a payment of £6,000.

Eligible businesses that have received Covid-19 financial support in the past can still apply for this grant.

To apply for the grant click here.