Thousands of pub staff in Cornwall will not be working over Christmas
Officials are warning that local pubs will still lose millions of pounds in turnover
Thousands of pub staff in Cornwall will not work over the festive period, analysis suggests, despite the area being one of just three to enter the lowest level of restrictions in December.
Only Cornwall, the Isle of Wight and the Isles of Scilly entered the Tier 1 “medium alert” level on December 2nd, with the rest of England in the tighter Tier 2 or 3.
But the British Beer and Pub Association estimates that local pubs will still lose millions of pounds in turnover, meaning many staff will not be needed.
The trade body warns of “carnage” across the industry in England unless the Government acts immediately to provide more help.
Cornwall’s pubs will only earn two-thirds of their normal turnover during December, the BBPA estimates, leading to a loss of around £9.4 million compared to the month’s usual takings.
Under the Tier 1 alert level, which comes into force today (December 2nd), pubs and bars can open to groups of six, or larger groups who live together or are in the same support bubble.
The estimated drop in turnover is based on a survey of 446 businesses which run more than 20,000 hospitality venues, says the BBPA.
Based on the reduced earnings, the BBPA estimates that 2,169 of the area’s 6,378 pub staff will not work over the month.
Across England, an estimated 30,400 pubs will have to close during December – 16,500 in Tier 3 areas, where all pubs have to close, and a further 13,900 in Tier 2, where pubs and bars can only serve alcohol on the premises with a “substantial meal”.
“With 99% of the country under tighter Tier 2 or Tier 3 restrictions, there will be carnage unless the Government acts immediately.
“We need the Government to recognise the impact of these restrictions and urgently provide more financial support.
“We cannot overstate how serious the situation is currently facing our staff, communities and businesses.
“The future of hundreds of breweries, thousands of pubs and tens of thousands of jobs hangs in the balance.”
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced a one-off £1,000 "Christmas grant" to support pubs in Tier 2 and 3 that predominantly serve alcohol rather than food.
Ms McClarkin said this was a "meagre amount" to cover the loss of business pubs will face over the festive period.
A Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy spokesman said: "We understand the pressure businesses are currently under, particularly the hospitality industry. These restrictions, which are reviewed every 14 days, are essential so we can control the virus, protect the NHS and save lives."
He added that the £1,000 grant for pubs accompanied a "wide-ranging package of financial support", including the extended furlough scheme, other business grants, loan schemes and business rates holidays.