The CEO of HOSPA, the Hospitality Professionals Association, comments on how she sees the Tier 3 restrictions impacting on the hospitality sector.
Jane Pendlebury said, “Even outside of lockdown, prior to the tier system, London hospitality businesses were struggling to generate trade. The attraction of a city break has completely dissipated in recent months with so many of the usual attractions closed, international travel off limits and UK residents fearful of travelling into cities.
'The festive season, including Christmas lights and shopping, has finally given some encouragement to people to re-engage with hospitality. Now though, it’s all been swept away. People who are simply interested in coming to London for a hotel stay, staying outdoors and enjoying the novelty of the sights without crowds – are now unable to do so, despite posing minimal risk through controlled interaction.'
Pendlebury continued, 'I was speaking with a London hotelier last week who was feeling confident, for the first time since the pandemic begin, that they were set for a period that would not only allow them to open, but would actually provide the opportunity to recoup some of their losses and help repair some of the damage of the last few months.
'Now though, they’re in despair. Stock has been purchased, almost a full complement of staff has been brought back in, full anti-COVID measures are in place and now it’s all for nothing. Not only that though, they’ve spent money that simply can’t be spared for a period that’s no longer going to happen. It’s genuinely heart-breaking to hear and see what’s happening.'
Pendlebury finished, 'We’ve called for it repeatedly since the start of the crisis, but hospitality businesses will need substantial support once more – across London and the South East, and indeed anywhere else that’s already in Tier 3.
'We’re losing business after business as they have to close for good. If this continues, there won’t be anyone left to cater to the UK’s hospitality needs once the roll-out of the vaccine takes effect.”