Pubs risk permanent closure if not supported claims CAMRA as South Yorkshire placed into Tier 3 Covid restrictions

Pubs in South Yorkshire risk permanent closure if not supported, claims consumer group as the region was placed under Tier 3 Covid restrictions.

It was announced that Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham would be placed into the 'Very High' coronavirus category on Wednesday, October 21.

Mayor of Sheffield City Region, Dan Jarvis, said: "Following extensive discussions with Ministers, local council leaders and I have agreed with Government that South Yorkshire will move into Tier 3, the ‘very high’ alert level for coronavirus restrictions.

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“We all recognise the gravity of the situation and have taken the responsible route to ensure we save lives and livelihoods, and protect our NHS.

Pubs in South Yorkshire risk permanent closure if not supported, claims Campaign for Real Ales.Pubs in South Yorkshire risk permanent closure if not supported, claims Campaign for Real Ales.
Pubs in South Yorkshire risk permanent closure if not supported, claims Campaign for Real Ales.

"The number of people with COVID in our hospitals has doubled over the last ten days, with no signs this will relent over the coming weeks.

"Inaction was not an option."

The restrictions mean that people cannot mix with other households indoors and that all pubs and bars which do not service substantial meals must close.

-> Bars and breweries in Leeds warn of “catastrophic” impact of 10pm curfew after seeing sharp drop in salesCAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, has now expressed concerns that pubs could shut for good if not given adequate financial support.

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CAMRA Chief Executive Tom Stainer said: “These Tier 3 restrictions will be absolutely devastating for local pubs and breweries across Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield.

“Publicans have done everything to make their premises COVID-secure, and have been operating at reduced trade for months whilst trying to recover from both the first lockdown and months of reduced consumer confidence as a result of restrictions like the curfew.

“If pubs across South Yorkshire are to avoid becoming a sacrificial lamb then they need a decent, long-term financial support package.

"This must properly compensate pubs for having to either close altogether - or stay open with extremely low footfall whilst they serve food.

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“It also needs to help pubs pay wages before the new jobs support scheme kicks in, as well as providing help in the weeks and months after restrictions are lifted if pubs and breweries are to have any chance of getting back on their feet and avoiding having to close their doors for good before Christmas.”

The owners of the Dog & Partridge in Trippet Lane, tweeted: "Well, this is it, folks.

"We'll be closed from Saturday because we don't serve food. We have tables available tonight, tomorrow and Friday.

"Last chance to come and have a drink with us for a while, and we'd appreciate any support. It's going to be a tough few months."