Peterborough city centre bar owner says covid closures will cost him £300,000 in lost takings

John, and business partner Neil Owen,  opened Coyotes Bar and Grill  at the beginning of October, bringing a taste of America to New Road in the city centre.

Even then the venue was operating under covid safety restrictions limiting opening hours and capacity before the second lockdown in November - followed by new Tiering in December which wiped out a lucrative Christmas and New Year period which could have brought in more than £150,000.

He was encouraged to apply for an Additional  Restrictions Grant, administered by the city council from November 5, but has been left devastated after being turned down.

John says as a new business with no trading figures his application was judged on just the first four days of  November - income which was below the £20,000 claimed, making him ineligible.

With 24 “phenomenal” staff not able to be furloughed and accepting no hours and no pay, many were dependent on Universal Credit and  he is now facing some tough decisions in a nightmare situation.
“We have thrown ourselves on the mercy of the city council and they have turned us down,” said a dejected John, who reckons being closed between November and February will result in a loss of income around £300,000.

”I do not know how they have set this up without taking into account new business like ours?

“I am led to believe the criteria might change but it might be too late for Coyotes. It is an absolute nightmare. I am doing everything in my power to keep this business alive but I don’t know if I can. I don’t know which way to turn.”

The businessman, with decade of experience on the city’s entertainment scene, has enlisted the help and received support from city MP Paul Bristow, and has written to city council chief executive Gillian Beasley seeking answers as he desperately tries to save the bar.

He points out that he was taking £14,000 a week in October but this cannot be considered.

”We have had a a £9,000 leisure and hospitality grant and a £3,000 local lockdown grant but that goes nowhere near the cost of keeping the building running even with no rates to pay.

”This £20,000 would have made a massive difference to us - it would keep the business alive until we can hopefully reopen once more, probably in March”.

Today Mr Bristow, who suggested John apply for the ARG, said: “The opening of Coyotes Bar and Grill should be a real boost to hospitality in our City, and a symbol that good times lie ahead.

“The new university and city centre regeneration will be a real boost for hospitality- but they also need help now.

“I have been working with the council to help Coyotes and the 2020 World Buffet restaurant (also on New Road) get support. The council should not leave a stone unturned and be as flexible as possible to help both of these new super Peterborough businesses.”

A council spokesman added: ““We are continuing to assess the criteria for ARG applications and will be contacting those businesses who are awaiting a final decision on their applications shortly.

“We are fully committed to supporting local businesses that have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and would urge any businesses that are eligible for support to get in touch with us.”