Pub closures across the country as tier three restrictions come into force

23-Oct-2020 - Last updated on 23-Oct-2020 at 10:09 GMT

New rules: many pubs across the country will be forced to close this weekend unless they can operate a food-focused offer

Pubs in large swathes of the country will face fresh restrictions this weekend, with some businesses forced to close.

Greater Manchester has now been placed under tier three measures alongside the Liverpool City Region and Lancashire.

Under the new restrictions, pubs will be shut for 28 days unless they can operate a food-focused offer.

South Yorkshire will also move into tier three restrictions from 00:01 on Saturday. Up to 939 pubs and 14 wine bars could close, according to real estate adviser Altus Group.

A number of areas - Coventry, Stoke and Slough - will face tier two restrictions from 00.01 on Saturday, meaning households cannot mix in indoor settings. They can still meet up together in beer gardens and other outside spaces.

Firebreak lockdown

What’s more, pubs have been ordered to close in Wales from 6pm tonight, as a 17-day firebreak lockdown begins.

Operators told The Morning Advertiser they were worried about the future of their businesses and would consider staying shut after this firebreak.

Pubs in some areas of Scotland face an extended closure, having been ordered to not open until 2 November, while others face another week of heavy trading restrictions.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is expected to set out a new tiered system of restrictions, with five levels.

Tier changes

Decisions will be made on whether Nottingham, Warrington and West Yorkshire should move to tier three measures, with talks scheduled for today between the Government and local leaders.

Tier two measures have hit trade at at least 11,798 pubs in England, analysis from real estate adviser Altus Group found earlier this week. This equates to almost a third of all English pubs.

What’s more, some 4,906 pubs face tier three restrictions in the Liverpool City Region, Lancashire, Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire areas.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak outlined further support measures to help businesses struggling with a reduced trade yesterday. He announced a change to the Job Support Scheme (JSS), where the Government would contribution a higher amount to staff wages for those in tier two areas.

Pubs hit by tier two restrictions will also receive cash grants of up to £2,100.