Hospitality closures causing ‘real financial hardship’ for Horsham town centre bar

The prospect of hospitality being closed until May is causing ‘real financial hardship’ for a Horsham bar owner.
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Graham Hartley, owner of Piries Bar, said restrictions are causing the whole hospitality trade similar issues after Government support ‘all but dried up’.

Boris Johnson will today set out how lockdown measures will be eased in the country.

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Graham said: “There is considerable speculation as regards what will be announced.

Graham Hartley, Piries Bar Horsham. Pic Steve Robards SR2010062 SUS-200610-124306001Graham Hartley, Piries Bar Horsham. Pic Steve Robards SR2010062 SUS-200610-124306001
Graham Hartley, Piries Bar Horsham. Pic Steve Robards SR2010062 SUS-200610-124306001

“We would obviously like to reopen again as soon as possible and are ready and able to do so.”

He said infection risk is low in the hospitality trade but that he doesn’t expect to get the green light to reopen until May at the earliest.

Graham added: “This is causing us and the rest of the trade real financial hardship particularly as Government support via grants etc has all but dried up.”

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A HM Treasury spokesman said: “We’ve provided significant support for the hospitality sector: pubs can benefit from one-off grants worth up to £9000 and monthly grants worth up to £3000 to support rent, plus an extra £1000 winter grant exclusive to wet-led pubs.

“We’ve also extended the furlough scheme until the end of April to cover wages, provided 100 per cent relief on business rates, and have cut VAT for hospitality businesses.

“At the upcoming Budget we’ll outline the next stages of our Plan for Jobs to support businesses and families across the UK. That has been our priority throughout the past year and it will be the priority for the year to come.”

Separately, leader of Horsham District Council, councillor Ray Dawe said it was looking forward learning how the restrictions are going to be lifted and any timescales involved, and the effects this will have on services, such as the re-opening of outdoor sports facilities and the impact of outdoor gatherings potentially being permitted in parks and open spaces.

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He added: “Though we welcome any easing of restrictions we are mindful that the ongoing safety of residents is paramount and we must exercise caution on going forward with a virus that is so unpredictable.”