The night-time economy and hospitality sector “has lost all confidence in the government strategy against covid,” the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has said. Speaking after prime minister Boris Johnson brought in new tier four restrictions in London and parts of south east and eastern England, by the Prime Minister.
NTIA says the night time economy and hospitality sectors are bearing the brunt of ill conceived, unsubstantiated restrictions and inadequate support. The sector has suffered horrendously since the start of the pandemic and will continue to suffer under these new measures.
Michael Kill, CEO of the NTIA, says:“The Night Time Economy & Hospitality sector has lost all confidence in the Government strategy against Covid. The unrelenting closing and reopening of businesses is costing owners hundreds of thousands of pounds, and coupled with the erratic decision-making around restrictions, is rapidly destroying the ability of the sector to bounce back.”
“Thousands of businesses and employees have supported the Government’s public health campaign against Covid, creating safe, regulated environments for people to socialise. This financial burden and commitment has been recognized only in lip-service, with insubstantial support measures to repay confidence in the sector.”
“There is disbelief and anger amongst the sector that the Government did not foresee the impact of transmissions by keeping retail, education and other sectors open during such a delicate period within the crisis.”
“If the Prime Minister wants the hardest-hit sectors to continue to support the Government in its Public Health strategy against Covid, then he must compensate the businesses fully for their losses, and deliver a robust exit strategy to regain industry confidence.”
