What the end of COVID ‘Plan B’ rules means for hospitality in Liverpool

Will the removal of coronavirus restrictions be enough to help an industry that has been decimated by the pandemic?
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As the Prime Minister confirms COVID rules will be relaxed, we look at what this will mean for hospitality venues in the city.

For example, vaccine passports and face masks will no longer be compulsory. But will this be enough to help an industry that has been decimated by the pandemic?

‘The worst time for everyone’

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John Hughes, Chair of Pubwatch, says: "Well, hopefully, what it means is that people will start coming out again because Christmas and New Year was probably the worst time ever for everyone.

“It was the worst Boxing Day night in history for friends who've been working in the city centre for years. We need people now to start coming out.

“We need people to start going back to work as well because we're all on the same eco wheel. We need all the businesses doing well in the city centre."

Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant

Businesses from the hospitality and leisure sectors have been invited to apply for a one-off payment of up to £6,000.

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The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant is funded by central government and will support businesses that have been most impacted by the Omicron variant.

The scheme for Liverpool is administered by Liverpool City Council and will support businesses that offer in-person services within hospitality, leisure or accommodation – and are delivered from rate-paying premises.

However, the industry has been critical of this as they say this support doesn't go far enough.

‘The funding is ridiculous’

John Hughes says: "The actual funding that the government has put forward is ridiculous."

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Experts believe it will take several years for the hospitality and nighttime economy sectors to recover; however, John is confident Liverpool will bounce back much quicker.

"I know people are chomping at the bit to come back into Liverpool because of the fantastic offer that we have."