Sector welcomes the 'end of uncertainty' after Covid restrictions lift

26-Jan-2022 - Last updated on 26-Jan-2022 at 11:22 GMT

End of restrictions: Sector welcomes the end of uncertainty but must be allowed to continue trading indefinitely according to the NTIA (Credit: Getty/joec)

Hospitality will ‘celebrate’ the end of ‘Plan B’ and ‘uncertainty’ as restrictions across the country are lifted, but night-time businesses need to be able to continue trading indefinitely, according to the Night-Time Industries Association (NTIA).

Restrictions such as mandatory mask wearing, table service and working from home have been lifted from tomorrow (Thursday 27 January).

NTIA CEO Michael Kill said: “Businesses across the night-time economy will celebrate the withdrawal of Plan B restrictions on 27 January.

“In particular, we will celebrate the withdrawal of Covid passports, which has not only directly impacted trade but has left a legacy of misplaced blame on a sector which fought to avoid the implementation of this debilitating and divisive mitigation.”

The end of uncertainty

The message from the trade body comes after a flash poll, conducted by the NTIA, revealed some businesses have been left with over £230,000 from the pandemic.

According to the NTIA, the festive period saw more than a 40% drop-off in trade across the night-time economy, leaving many businesses concerned they will struggle to survive beyond February 2022.

Kill added: "While we celebrate the end of uncertainty, the real impact of recent months is coming to light.

“It is vitally important the Government allows the night-time economy to trade indefinitely, building momentum towards pre-Covid trading levels, as well as building customer confidence.

Sectors final recover

“Flexibility around planning and licensing must be considered to give businesses the best opportunity to diversify and maximise trading capacity, which in turn will expedite the sector's financial recovery."

In order to support businesses as the nation adjusts to living with Covid, the NTIA urged the Government to consider long term relief for the sector.

Kill said: "We urge the Government to consider long term relief and financial support, with proportionate grants and the extension of VAT & business rates relief, to combat cost inflation and short-term cash flow issues following the poor festive trading period.”