I share your concern about the future of pubs and the hardship caused by the coronavirus outbreak. It is clear the economic effects of fighting COVID-19 last longer for businesses than the duration of any given restrictions, and we need to go further with our support.
I understand that the Coronavirus situation is rapidly evolving at present and that the new variant of the virus has shifted the goalposts. Given the latest developments, the Government has had to act decisively in ordering a new England-wide lockdown, as part of which, all pubs will be forced to close. The Prime Minister expressed regret in announcing these new measures, but I agree with him that robust action is needed to bring the virus back under control.
When this lockdown was announced the Chancellor announced some further economic support for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses, including pubs. New one-off top-up grants have been announced, worth up to £9,000 per property, to help businesses through to the spring. For those businesses not eligible for the grants, a £594 million discretionary fund is being made available by the Government as a matter of urgency.
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