Expert says Liverpool nightlife ‘will take several years to recover’ from COVID impact

It's been announced that the COVID restrictions put in place under ‘Plan B’ in England will be lifted.

The Government's announcement that the measures will be removed on Thursday, 27 January, is down to the success of the booster programme.

And the move has been met with cautious optimism by many in the hospitality industry.

The changes:

• You are no longer asked to work from home.
• Face coverings will no longer be advised in classrooms for both staff and pupils.
• Venues and events will no longer be required by law to use the NHS COVID Pass.
• Face coverings are no longer required by law in any setting.

‘We are finally able to plan for the future’

The Night Time Industries Association CEO Michael Kill says he welcomes the Prime Ministers announcement on relaxing plan b restrictions.

"Following an extremely difficult two years for the night time economy and hospitality sector, which has been, in every sense, at the sharpest end of the pandemic throughout, we are finally able to plan for the future with some level of certainty and without debilitating restrictions.

"With the devastating losses over the festive period, and the effects of limited cash flow being felt across the sector, our industry has been placed in an extremely fragile state, and without question will need further financial relief and support to survive.

"Experts believe it will take several years for the hospitality and night time economy sectors to recover, but it is important that the Government don't simply assume the sector will be fine because restrictions have been eased. More support will be needed."

Although the Government has removed blanket restrictions, the prevalence of COVID-19 is still high, with over 16,000 people in hospital in England with the infection.