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Almost eight in 10 (79%) operators have warned their businesses will only survive a trade shutdown until May with support from Government schemes, research has discovered. Currently, the existing coronavirus restrictions under the third lockdown rules are set to expire on 31 March 2021. However, a number of national newspapers have reported that the hospitality trade could remain closed until the spring with a source telling The Sunday Times: “The May Day bank holiday is more likely the moment you see pubs reopening.” The Morning Advertiser understands the Government is keeping the restrictions under constant review but expect the changes will last until at least mid-February. ....
Wet-led licensees said they are bracing themselves for months of extended closure as they fear it will not be viable to reopen under another tiered system of restrictions even if permitted. Diane Booth runs community bar the Malt Disley, with her daughter in Disley, Cheshire and said her business has been “massively affected” by restrictions despite setting up online sales. She explained: “Government funding and furlough is currently what we rely on to cover costs and wages. “We will not be in a position to reopen again with restrictions. It is unviable. We would have to be in tier one before we could even consider reopening.” ....
Some 66% of operators are not expecting to reopen their doors for customers to eat and drink on-site before April, an industry survey has revealed. ....