Andy Burnham warns hospitality sector to face ‘real hardship’

The Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham is calling on the government to provide extra money for areas who have been forced into tier 3.

Burnham warned that pubs, bars and restaurants will only be allowed to provide deliveries and takeaways, which will cause “real hardship.”

In a statement Burnham said, “The new Tier 3 will hit the hospitality sector extremely hard. While there are grants for businesses forced to close, there is no extra support for business which supply them like security, catering and cleaning.

“This will cause real hardship for people whose jobs will be affected and risk the loss of many businesses.”

The Conservative Mayor for the West Midlands, Andy Street echoed Burnham’s concerns and tweeted, “Tier 3 for the West Midlands is very disappointing, but we must now focus on getting out ASAP.

“The trajectory is good, and our stay should be short-lived if people stick to the rules.

“However more support is needed whilst in Tier 3, particularly for the hospitality and live events sectors.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is also facing fury from the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) along with many other pub and brewery owners over the regional restrictions which will affect their industry.

The BBPA said on Wednesday that the lack of additional financial support from the Chancellor, and the tightening of restrictions, pub closures and job losses are now inevitable.

The trade body are urgently calling on the government to provide financial support to the sector to save thousands of jobs and livelihoods.

Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) told LondonLovesBusiness, “Today’s allocation of regional tier levels by Health Secretary Matt Hancock, has brought about a stark reality to the Night Time Economy and Hospitality businesses, diminishing hopes of trading through the key festive period for many, with a long winter ahead fighting to survive”

“Devastating news particularly for the Midlands & North of England, Manchester, Birmingham & Newcastle which have been hardest hit with the implementation of Tier 3, with the majority of regions being placed in Tier 2 and very limited areas in Tier 1”

“Industry and business leaders are speaking up, highlighting the immense impact of restrictions to their sector, individual companies releasing huge redundancy figures, business owners suffering from mental health, and suicide rates within the sector steadily increasing.” 

“The Government must compensate these businesses for the period of time they have been closed, and the loss of business suffered due to restrictions through the festive period”

“The sector has suffered horrendously since the start of the pandemic and is bearing the burden, so that other sectors are able to open during the festive period.”