As new coronavirus restrictions come into place, small businesses are calling on the Government for additional financial support.

Under the new restrictions, all hospitality venues including pubs, bars and restaurants in England must have a 10pm curfew from tomorrow (24 September).

The Government also announced the sector will be restricted to table service only, and face coverings will be mandatory with £200 fines for those who don’t abide by the rules.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in the Commons yesterday:

“I’m sorry this will affect many businesses getting back on their feet but we must act to stop the virus from being transmitted in bars and restaurants.”

Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, said that a curfew will “devastate” the pub sector without additional financial support from the Government.

She said:

“As an industry, we recognise the need to continue to support the Government and local communities to manage the risk of rising infection rates.

“Make no mistake, a 10pm curfew will devastate our sector during an already challenging environment for pubs. Pubs were struggling to break even before today and these latest restrictions will push some to breaking point.”

Mike Cherry, chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, added that the Government should provide an "ambitious second round of support measures" to help businesses survive as existing financial support schemes come to an end.

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