MA’s review of the week
‘We’re sitting here today with sites that have received zero money’
The Morning Advertiser's Ed Bedington speaks with Yummy Pubs founder Anthony Pender to reflect on the week's biggest headlines.
Further reading:
- Two thirds of operators predict three more months of closure, poll finds - Some 66% of operators are not expecting to reopen their doors for customers to eat and drink on-site before April, an industry survey has revealed.
- Financial uncertainty has left operators feeling 'helpless' - After the pub sector experienced a year like no other, The Morning Advertiser (MA) spoke to operators about how they are protecting their mental health moving forward.
- MPs back hospitality minister motion: what happens next? - A petition to appoint a dedicated minister for the hospitality sector hit Westminster boasting more than 200,000 signatures earlier this week. After a positive Parliamentary reception, where does it go from here?
- £25k in grants for Scottish pubs, versus £9k for England's - Scottish operators are to receive top-up Government support grants of up to £25,000.
- VAT rate reversion could risk 310k jobs - The Government has been pressed to extend the reduced VAT rate beyond the spring to protect some 310,000 jobs in the hospitality and tourism sector.
- One-in-four operators yet to receive grants from second lockdown - A MA survey has revealed that a quarter of pub operators (24%) who applied for grants during November’s lockdown are still awaiting funds – with many citing outstanding payments of more than £10,000.
- Chancellor ‘out of ideas’ after pledging no new support - Chancellor Rishi Sunak has stated that despite forecasts of further economic decline there will be no additional financial support for business hit by coronavirus restrictions before the Budget on 3 March.
- Grants of up to £9k available for pubs during lockdown 3.0 - One-off grants for pubs of up to £9,000 per venue have been announced by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak.
