The Minister said, “Our hospitality industry has been hugely impacted as a result of Covid Health Regulations and amongst those hardest hit are those traditional pubs only serving alcohol.
“These establishments have been required to remain closed for longer than other businesses and been unable to trade.
“The Wet Pubs Business Support Scheme will provide £10.6m in support to those drink-only public houses forced to remain closed between 4 July and 23 September when the rest of the hospitality sector was permitted to open and trade.
“Roll out of the scheme will now commence during the week beginning the 11 January 2021,” she continued.