National Chairman of CAMRA has commented on the decision to apply Tier 2 restrictions to London and Essex from this weekend.
Nik Antona said, “Pubs in areas being placed into Tier 2 are being put into a devastating danger zone – with additional restrictions but no additional support.
“These restrictions – particularly the ban on going to the pub with people outside your own household or support bubble – are a huge cause for concern for pubs across the Essex and the Capital.
“We know from other parts of the country that have had local lockdown restrictions imposed that they damage the ability of pubs to stay open, turn a profit and pay their staff.
“Because pubs aren’t being forced to close, they aren’t eligible for Government support – despite being forced to operate under much tighter restrictions than other businesses. This also has a huge knock on effect for our brewers, who will struggle to get their product to market.
“Government ministers must now introduce a new financial support package to help London’s pubs pay staff wages and fixed costs in the face of severely reduced trade that will come as a result of these restrictions. It’s the only way to avoid thousands of permanent pub closures and job losses.
“CAMRA continues to encourage people in London and Essex to use pubs in a safe and responsible way during this period of restrictions in order to support our well-loved locals during these tough times.”