20th Sep 2020 11:20
(Alliance News) - Pubs and hospitality businesses could be wiped out by further coronavirus restrictions, the boss of JD Wetherspoon PLC said.
UK government ministers are considering new measures, including a temporary two or three-week "circuit break" in an attempt to break virus' chain of transmission.
The move could lead to pubs and restaurants being ordered to close or face a 10pm curfew, with the latter measure already in place in some areas of the north of England.
Tim Martin, who employs 43,000 people in Wetherspoon's pubs and hotels, told The Sunday Times further restrictions would be "even more devastating" for a sector hit hard by the pandemic.
Greene King chief executive Nick Mackenzie, who is responsible for staff at 2,700 hospitality businesses, told the paper the government needed to provide further clarity and assistance.
"The sector is fighting for survival — we are already seeing pubs in areas where there are additional restrictions are performing less well, especially those in Scotland," Mackenzie said.
"New measures such as a 10pm curfew will cause further damage and hit city-centre pubs most, especially in London."
The warnings come as London mayor Sadiq Khan urged ministers to extend the latest regional restrictions to cover the capital as well.
source: PA
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