Lord: Gov support vital to avoid high streets being ‘decimated’
Lord, who is one of only three night-time economy advisers in the UK said the sector is bracing itself for a “tough” Budget.
He said: “Hospitality is the third-largest employer in the UK with 3.5m people and, as I have said time and time again, no one benefits from further closures in the sector.
“Cities and towns will become desolate as high streets are decimated, communities will suffer from increased loneliness having lost vital social hubs, unemployment rates will increase rapidly and public finances will suffer from the drop in the economic contribution.”
Business rates relief a must
He added it makes basic social and economic sense to give the industry more support.
Lord continued: “An absolute must for the future of the sector is an extension of business rates relief – this one move alone will save hundreds of thousands of jobs across the country. But beyond this urgent need, we have to see a defined long-term strategy.
“Everything is at stake and the Chancellor must present a clear plan that explains how this week’s decisions will benefit us all down the line.
“Business – and the general public – need to understand the positives and financial returns on the horizon to help us stomach the tough choices being made right now.”
Gov move welcomed
Earlier this week, the Society of Independent Brewers & Associates (SIBA) welcomed the Government announcement it would be stepping up to support the independent brewing industry – a move that was also backed by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).
SIBA CEO Andy Slee warned global brands are “dominating” bars across the UK while independent brewers are having difficulties getting their products into pubs and bars.
CAMRA chairman Ash Corbett-Collins added: “One of the biggest concerns for CAMRA members, and pubgoers in general, is the lack of independent beer on bars across the UK.”
