Tier three could cost Nottinghamshire pub industry more than £30 million this Christmas
Almost 10,000 pub staff across Nottinghamshire will not be able to work over the festive period as the county enters new tier three restrictions and businesses are forced to close, analysis suggests.
The closures will lead to tens of millions of pounds in lost turnover, according to research by the British Beer and Pub Association.
The trade body warns of ‘carnage’ across the industry in England unless the Government acts immediately to provide more help.
The BBPA estimates that 9,831 pub staff in Nottinghamshire will be affected in December as 796 venues are forced to shut their doors.
Under the tier three ‘very high alert’ restrictions which are now in force, pubs and bars have to close except for takeaway and delivery services.
The BBPA says that Nottinghamshire pubs stand to lose £37.3 million in turnover over December, based on estimates of usual takings for the month.
Across England, an estimated 30,400 pubs will have to close during December – 16,500 in tier three areas and a further 13,900 in tier two.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA, said: “With 99 per cent of the country under tighter tier two or tier three restrictions, there will be carnage unless the Government acts immediately.
“We need the Government to recognise the impact of these restrictions and urgently provide more financial support.
“We cannot overstate how serious the situation is currently facing our staff, communities and businesses.
“The future of hundreds of breweries, thousands of pubs and tens of thousands of jobs hangs in the balance.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced a one-off £1,000 ‘Christmas grant’ to support pubs in tier two and tier three that predominantly serve alcohol rather than food.
But Ms McClarkin said this was a ‘meagre amount’ to cover the loss of business pubs will face over the festive period.
A Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy spokesman said: "We understand the pressure businesses are currently under, particularly the hospitality industry.
"These restrictions, which are reviewed every 14 days, are essential so we can control the virus, protect the NHS and save lives."
He added that the £1,000 grant for pubs accompanied a ‘wide-ranging package of financial support’, including the extended furlough scheme.