SOUTHSIDE DISTRICT REACTS TO 10PM CURFEW

Southside District is calling for the Government to stop scapegoating the hospitality sector and provide urgently needed support, following an announcement today that venues nationwide now face a 10pm curfew.

Julia Robinson, Southside District manager said: “Having faced devastating closures at the start of the pandemic, and despite many being unable to access financial support, our businesses have collectively invested thousands of pounds to ensure that they are Covid-secure.

“After reopening on 4th July, Southside venues have demonstrated that they can provide a safe environment for guests, and are doing everything they can to secure their own futures and that of the hundreds of people they employ. We haven’t had a single case of coronavirus reported across our venues and yet the sector is being scapegoated once again.

“The local curfew in Bolton has shown that venues can lose up to 70% of income, which could be the end of the line for many of our businesses.

“In light of the curfew announced today, our hospitality sector will urgently need financial assistance to survive, or we will lose some of our most iconic and well-loved venues, and a huge number of hard-working entrepreneurs and their employees are at risk of losing their livelihoods.”