A PLEA has gone out for government help to ensure the survival of small hospitality and tourism businesses. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) says more than three quarters of small firms in the sector have taken on debt since the pandemic began. It wants the government to introduce a tourism and hospitality strategy, led by a minister and focusing on “under-represented” small firms and their long-term survival. The federation’s report, A Menu For Recovery, also asks for a reduction in the red tape which it says holds back small firms from operating as takeaways and in outdoor spaces.