Electric Star Pubs boss ‘not optimistic’ that the Government will intervene over sector rent debt

Further reading:​

• 90% of nightlife operators fear roadmap delay could threaten survival​ - Nine-in-10 nightlife operators are worried a delay to the final lockdown easing date could threaten their survival, a flash survey has revealed.

• 'Too early' to say lockdown rules will end next month, Hancock says​ - Health secretary Matt Hancock has said it is still 'too early' to tell what bearing the Indian variant of coronavirus will have on the final step of easing lockdown measures next month.

• Scrapping table service 'vital to survival'​ - Pub bosses have welcomed reports the Government is keen to scrap table service requirements and allow punters drink pints at the bar once more.

• Door security shortages 'could risk public health'​ - The recovery of nightclubs will be threatened by a shortage of door security staff unless the Government intervenes, bosses have warned.

• Just 15 Covid positive in event pilots​ - Just 0.03% of participants in the Government's series of large event pilots tested positive for coronavirus in the process, according to initial reports.

• 'Keep roadmap on track,' urges trade​ - Pub trade bosses have urged the Government to stick to its unlocking roadmap and allow the sector to rebuild beyond 21 June.

• Working from home costs London’s pubs, bars and restaurants £2.3bn​ - Hospitality businesses near the capital’s employment hubs have been hit for more than £2bn by lost lunches and abandoned after-work drinks due to the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr).

• Almost half of readers worried working from home will hit trade​ - Just under half of operators are concerned about the potential impact that a long-term decline of office-working on their pub business.

• Rent debt remains ‘biggest gap’ in hospitality support​ - Despite broadly welcoming the provisions set out in the Spring Budget, trade body UKHospitality has flagged that a ‘£2bn millstone’ still faces pub, bar and restaurant operators.

• Nightclubs face 'cliff edge' unless Government intervenes in rent crisis​ - The Government has been urged to tackle the £2.5bn rent crisis hitting nightlife operators by the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA).

• 330k jobs at risk if rent protections removed​ - The £2.5bn rent debt facing the hospitality sector threatens more than 330,000 jobs, according to research from one trade body.

• Government call for evidence on rent welcomed​ - The Government’s call for evidence on commercial rent debts has been published with operators encouraged to complete the online survey.

• ‘Bail out pubs struggling with rent debt,’ Lib Dem leader urges Government​ - The Government should help struggling pubs by offering to cover up to 80% of their rental costs, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has urged.