Three-quarters of hospitality venues say they’ll be out of business by Christmas

Three-quarters of nightlife and hospitality businesses say they will be out of business by Christmas. 

As of today, the majority of the country has been placed into the tighter Tier 2 and 3 restrictions. 

Restaurants in Tier 2 can serve alcohol alongside substantial meals or at ticketed events. Those in Tier 3 must close completely, only offering takeaway services.

The Night Time Industries Association has accused the Government of ‘intentionally aiming to collapse our sector’ with the new tier system.

In a survey of 400 members, 75.6% said they will be closed for good by Christmas, meanwhile 65% said they had already made over 40% of their workforce redundant. 

The NTIA is warning hundreds of thousands more jobs are set to be lost over Christmas and into January. 

Michael Kill CEO said: “This announcement by the Government has led us to believe that they are intentionally aiming to collapse our sector. 

“Every town and city across the UK stands to lose valued and much-loved venues. This will be another stab in the heart of our town and city centres.

“We stand to lose the cultural institutions and amazing workforce of professionals that the UK are renowned for globally.

“Our clubs, bars, venues, security, freelancers, staff, managers, DJs and many more will lose their livelihoods and continue to suffer financial hardship without government intervention.

“I make a direct appeal to the Prime Minister – ‘Mr Johnson, what are you doing to save the lives and livelihoods of the many businesses and workers within the night time economy, businesses that have been closed since March and are continuing to suffer?

“They have staff and freelancers that will lose their jobs irrespective of furlough because the businesses won’t survive’.

“What do you say to that Prime Minister? I hope you are sleeping well at night because thousands within our sector are struggling to sleep, in fear of their future.”