Current reopening model "isn't sustainable" warn hospitality businesses
Most operating at half capacity, businesses are struggling to make ends meet and are relying on some form of relaxation next week
Hospitality businesses in Harrogate and the Dales have warned restrictions beyond 21 June will put further strain on the industry.
It's as the Prime Minister is set to announce later today (Monday 14 June 2021) whether the next phase of the Government's roadmap out of lockdown will go ahead or be pushed back.
In the original statement back in February, the Government said they hoped to be in a position to remove all legal limits on social contact by 21 June 2021.
But as the Delta variant, first identified in India, continues to spread throughout the country, it's possible the restrictions in place currently could extend past this date.
With most businesses operating at half capacity, and those in the late night industry still unable to open, businesses are struggling to make ends meet and are relying on some form of opening.
Phil Jones, manager at Ilkley Cinema, is concerned about how his staff will cope.
He said: "With reduced capacity we don't need as many staff which is really unfortunate.
"Finding enough hours to keep everyone happy so everyone can pay their bills is hard. Obviously we don't need as many staff if we don't have the same amount of custom.
"We can only take a maximum of 50 per cent so at the moment it's difficult to make any more. It's more about keeping our heads above water and then hopefully when restrictions ease we can look to making some profit.
"We've had to adapt the business slightly. We're fortunate to have a lovely outside area so people can visit and not actually see a film. We've had to do that to make ends meet."
The next stage of the roadmap would reopen remaining premises, including nightclubs, and ease the restrictions on large events and performances.
But the Government say it'll be "subject to the results of a scientific Events Research Programme", like the test events seen in Liverpool, where they trialled the use of testing and other techniques to cut the risk of infection.
The same Events Research Programme will guide decisions on whether all limits can be removed on weddings and other life events.