Sector specfic restrictions need sector specific support

Dear

We have kept you up to date as we have continued to take your voices to Government, to fight for the critical business support needed for the pub sector to survive. Last week, we sent a joint letter with BBPA and UKHospitality to the Minister for Small Business, Consumers and Labour Markets, Paul Scully MP, ahead of a meeting to discuss the detail of those measures, which you can view here.

We have heard from countless hospitality businesses over the last few weeks about the devastating consequences that the enhanced regulations - both local and national - are having. The 10pm curfew, the eroding of consumer confidence and the ever tightening restrictions are causing huge drops in footfall and trade, in businesses that were already struggling to make ends meet.

To be clear, however, our sector is viable. There is a huge demand for our services, as was clearly demonstrated in many venues, by the incredibly successful Eat Out To Help Out scheme over the summer. Since reopening on 4th July and all throughout the month of August, our sector responsibly and safely accommodated customers and staff, allowing them to reconnect with friends and family, with no evidence of an increase in transmission rates from our venues.

Whilst long term restrictions on our vibrant, necessary and viable sector are in place, long term sector specific support needs to be delivered. We will continue to keep you updated as we take your case to all areas of Government.

The importance of pubs is woven into our social fabric as a nation. We provide so much more value than just employment and tax revenue for the Treasury, and the impact of venues having to close temporarily and permanently will have unacceptable consequences for our communities.

Since the pandemic hit our towns and villages, pubs have risen to the challenge time and time again. They have gone out of their way to offer support, whether it was through providing essential groceries, looking out for their regulars, turning their pubs into shops or any of the other incredible stories we have heard over the last 6 months.

Now more than ever, we need to highlight the community action that has been led by the pub sector, showing how we have come together as local forces for good. We have now launched our BII Heart of the Community Award, which will give recognition to those pubs that are more than just a place for a pint. Nominate your pub and as many others that you know that have been at the hub of their communities and let's show the true value of our Great British Pubs.

Steven Alton
CEO

#SocialiseSafely