The CEO of UKHospitality has made comment on the potential delay of further relaxation of restrictions on 21 June.
Kate Nicholls (pictured) said, “Any delay in the roadmap would have a devastating effect on an already fragile hospitality sector.
'The latest market data shows a quarter of hospitality venues are still shut and those that are open cannot turn a profit because of the current restrictions – a delay would push many businesses closer to the cliff edge of failure, meaning more job losses.
“Should the timings slip and restrictions remain beyond 21st June, it’s vital that further financial support from the Government is forthcoming, including business rates payments being postponed until at least October, and an extension of the rent moratorium while a long-term solution is found, as well as permanent lowering of VAT on hospitality goods and services.'
Nicholls finished, 'Businesses need a swift, publicly stated commitment that such support will be in place in the event of a delay, giving them much-needed reassurance after more than 15 months of closure and severely disrupted trading.”