The trade has implored the Government to extend a sector-wide VAT reduction following suggestions there are no plans afoot to continue the policy beyond March.
The owner of a pub which also boasts a zoo on-site has slammed the Government for not doing more to help the sector and said his business “wouldn’t be here” without its regulars.
Wet-led licensees said they are bracing themselves for months of extended closure as they fear it will not be viable to reopen under another tiered system of restrictions even if permitted.