26th November 2020
Dear Member
COVID-19 UPDATE
England
Today Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, revealed which parts of England would sit in what Tier Levels. As expected, most of the country is now in Tier 2 or Tier 3 placing heavy restrictions on hospitality. Pubs in particular will be closed in Tier 3 and struggle under the ‘substantial meal’ requirement in Tier 2. Arcades can open in Tier 2 but not in Tier 3. We continue to argue for the right to open in Tier 3 and AGC members have told me that they are prepared to accept the same restrictions as the bookies if that’s what it takes to get open. A full list of the Tiers and which areas sit within them can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/full-list-of-local-restriction-tiers-by-area
Scotland
- We met this afternoon with Scottish Government officials and were able to once again download our concerns and asks of the SG particularly around trading in level 3 and around the continuing prohibition on music in pubs. Scottish Chairman, Joseph Cullis, and I both felt that we got a good hearing from what is a new team and that our concerns are getting fed to where they need to go.
- UKHospitality is compiling a record of hospitality sector businesses that have been rejected for the grant funding that they are potentially eligible for by local authorities. If this relates to you and your business, please get in touch with details today on CV19@ukhospitality.org.uk
Convention
Bacta held its (virtual) AGM and Convention this morning. Thank you to the 150 members that joined us this morning. I hope you found the event interesting. There were some very good discussions. Shadow Tourism Minister, Alex Sobel MP, also gave us a lot to think about. A full recording of the event will appear on the bacta website shortly for anyone who couldn’t join us.
Kind regards,
John