Prime Minister is urged to act to save Peterborough’s struggling pubs

Peterborough MP Paul Bristow with Prime Minister Boris Johnson during a walkabout in Peterborough. EMN-190531-152748009

Mr Bristow has warned the lockdown rule that pubs can only serve drinks if customers are having a ‘substantial meal’ could be the final nail in the coffin for many hostelries.

He says many pubs, which had invested substantial amounts of money to re-open after the first lockdown and had complied with all the rules, were now engaged in a desperate battle to survive.

Now he is calling for the Prime Minister to order an urgent review of the meal rule.

In a letter to Boris Johnson, he states: “Landlords, staff, their families and those in the supply chains of Peterborough’s pubs have made considerable sacrifices this year, as we battle against Coronavirus.

“They invested substantial money and resources to re-open their pubs after the first lockdown, despite mounting debts and little prospect of a swift return to normal income levels.

“They ensured compliance with the social distancing rules. Despite obvious frustration, they strictly enforced the 10pm curfew when it was announced.

“Having made further sacrifices throughout the second national lockdown, landlords now fear that the ‘substantial meal’ rule within the amended tier rules will be the final nail in the coffin of their struggling businesses.

“Many simply do not have the kitchen facilities to offer ‘substantial meals’.

“Smaller venues - often pubs with great character and unique qualities - will suffer the most, while chain pubs and restaurants are better placed to open and get through the months ahead.

“The pubs most affected often specialise in selling real ale, working hard to source and supply some of the best beer from the UK.

“They play a crucial role within local communities and many are of historical interest.

“Both in Peterborough and beyond, once they close, they are likely to be lost forever.

“I have deep concerns around the implementation of this rule.

“The risk management systems implemented by wet-led pubs are identical to those in other pubs and chains.

“I cannot understand why they should be treated differently and urge the Government to review this rule as a matter of urgency.

“None of us want ‘last orders’ sounded for our pubs, rather than in them.”

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