Some Scarborough businesses affected by Christmas rule changes
The changes to the rules around Christmas is affecting some businesses in Scarborough.
The changes to the rules around Christmas is affecting some businesses in Scarborough.
Over the weekend it was announced that up to three households can no longer mix for the five days around Christmas, as it is now only on the big day itself.
Janet Jefferson, President of Scarborough Chamber of Trade, said:
"It's disappointing because obviously people's spending will change but having been in town, I can honestly say it's very, very busy. So people are still going ahead and buying, they were restricting entry in to certain shops and counting the number of people going in, so it was very hectic.
"It's a big blow as certain businesses have not even been able to open up. The licensing industry has been very hard hit as it's their busy time. But there have been grants available which have helped in some cases but a lot haven't because it's when you open the business.
"It will have an affect on the tills but the weekend has been quite busy for people spending; and I can tell that there's still that rush to get things and buy things. My biggest worry was people that were involved in food that probably would take a downer but it seems to me that that isn't the case.
"It will affect the hospitality industry because they'll have had to give refunds because people can no longer come. The hospitality part of the Chamber of Trade will be affected because where they have bookings to cover the Christmas, New Year period, these will no longer apply."