(Brigg and Goole)
(Con): I am aware that there are obviously no perfect options at
the moment, but may I raise with the Prime Minister the issue of
pubs and bars that will be affected by the tier 2 restrictions?
Many, such as Yorkshire Ales in Snaith in my constituency, have
invested considerable amounts of money in being covid-secure, and
are now to be denied access to their valuable pre-Christmas trade.
Will the Prime Minister look again at those tier 2 restrictions,
and if not, look at what other financial support can be offered to
those bars and pubs that cannot provide a substantial food offering
during this period?
The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend is completely right about the
need to support local business, particularly in the hospitality
sector. He should know that, in addition to the £3,000 grant for
businesses that are forced to close, we have another grant of
£2,100 a month for businesses that are in the hospitality and
accommodation sector. That is on top of the support that we have
given via furlough, obviously, and via business rates and the
cuts in VAT, which were intended to support the hospitality
sector as well. I am keenly aware of how difficult it is for
those pubs, bars, restaurants and hotels that will face a tough
time in the tiers as we come out next week. We will do our level
best to support them. I should say that we are also giving £1.1
billion to local councils to help them support businesses that
are facing difficulties.
