Having said this, I am acutely aware that these restrictions will strike another hammer blow to the hospitality industry. As a sector already on its knees, it’s inevitable we will now see cancellations and reduced footfall across restaurants, pubs and bars, and I am also very concerned for the hotels in the area who are already struggling with a lack of tourism, football and events.
To the general public, I want to make it clear that venues are still open for business and ready to welcome you. Within your household, please try and support your locals and favourites during this tough time. Many are taking part in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme from Monday, and I encourage you to enjoy what our region has to offer, albeit in a safe way.
If you have a reservation booked over the next few weeks that is now no longer viable, please make sure you cancel or amend bookings to give our operators time to plan ahead and offer them the best chance of pulling through this.
To the operators, I urge you to check bookings now for the weeks ahead. Please be responsible in advising the two households rule (except where there are bubbles) and ensure good track and trace measures are in place. Customers will naturally now be more nervous when dining, so please look to utilise outdoor space to increase capacity and social distancing where possible. Please also consider how you can encourage and incentivise singles, couples and family households into your venues – they will still want to go out.
I will be looking into whether there will be any extra support given to operators in our area, including any flexibility concerning the furlough scheme which begins to wind down from tomorrow, and will be working with our Mayor Andy Burnham and his team to monitor this situation closely.
I will provide further updates in due course.”
