Sacha Lord, the Night Time Economy Adviser for Greater Manchester, has again called on the Government to provide adequate evidence to merit a move back into Tier 3 once the current lockdown period ends (currently planned for December 2nd).
In a letter addressed to Secretary of State, Matt Hancock, yesterday, Lord encouraged the Government to share the data which backs the closure of wet-led pubs and bars, as well as provide evidence for the implementation of the 10pm curfew on the wider hospitality sector.
The letter comes just three weeks before the city region prepares to plunge back into the strictest Tier 3 regulations.
Commenting on the letter, Lord said,
“Yesterday, we wrote to the Government and offered to work directly with them on alternative routes to the curfew and hospitality restrictions.
“We have still not seen any clear evidence to merit these moves, and with just three weeks to go, we feel time is running out to save the sector. We have been left in limbo or been given last minute rule changes on more than one occasion during this pandemic, but now is the Government’s chance to show they take this sector seriously.”
He continued,
“While the economy as a whole will be pleased to come out of the full lockdown, for many in the hospitality sector Tier 3 is a ticking time bomb, with little financial incentive to remain in business.”
“The sector makes around a third of its annual takings in the December period and these restrictions, which will be implemented without any proof they help reduce infection spread, will take many to the point of no return.”
“In Greater Manchester alone, there are 1,809 wet led pubs and bars which will not be allowed to reopen when we move back into Tier 3. Many of these are in the most deprived areas of our city-region but are critical to the communities they represent.”
“The decision to punish these venues, while keeping others open, is a blow to northern culture and an ignorant disregard for the most disadvantaged or oldest in society who are unable to afford meals just to be able to socialise with friends, see loved ones or simply feel part of their community.”
“The Government now has three weeks to rethink its position on these measures and save jobs, businesses and communities. This lockdown period is a real opportunity for them to work with us – the people who know this sector best – to avoid the same mistakes being made and causing business closures on a colossal scale.”
Lord has stated his legal case to challenge the move into Tier 3 will restart on December 3rd if adequate scientific evidence for the move is not provided.
