Hartlepool hospitality chief calls for level playing field after pub and restaurant opening dates revealed by Boris Johnson

A spokesman for Hartlepool’s hospitality industry has questioned the reopening of schools ahead of bars and restaurants after Boris Johnson announced his road map out of lockdown.
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The PM named a series of provisional dates for the reopening up of the country on Monday, February 22, with outdoor areas in hospitality venues, such as beer gardens, non-essential shops and hairdressers set to reopen from Monday, April 12 at the earliest.

He had already said that schools will go back on March 8.

But Darab Rezai, chairman of Hartlepool Licensees Association, said there should be a level playing field for all.

Darab Rezai, chairman of Hartlepool Licensees Association.Darab Rezai, chairman of Hartlepool Licensees Association.
Darab Rezai, chairman of Hartlepool Licensees Association.
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He said: “I cannot understand how come they can open schools from the 8th of March for all different ages who are going to mix, use the same facilities, but then outside of a coffee shop with a couple of tables and chairs it can’t be open until April.

"Kids from different families might be carriers of coronavirus without anybody knowing.

"Yes we want this lockdown to be the last but we want the same level ground for everything as regards to virus control.

"It seems a long time while businesses have got to suffer but having schools open.”

Navigation Point at Hartlepool marina is home to numerous bars and restaurants.Navigation Point at Hartlepool marina is home to numerous bars and restaurants.
Navigation Point at Hartlepool marina is home to numerous bars and restaurants.
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Pubs and restaurants along with cinemas, hotels, B&Bs and children's play areas will reopen from May 17 at the earliest.

There will be no curfew on hospitality venues and alcohol will not have to be accompanied by a substantial meal as previously.

Mr Rezai also appealed to Chancellor Rishi Sunak to provide more support for the retail and hospitality industry including extending the 5% on VAT for up to a year.

He said: “It’s going to be very hard for hospitality to come back trading. It is not going to be booming business to start with.”

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The Prime Minister said the Government couldn’t rule out re-imposing local or regional restrictions if they are felt needed to contain or suppress new Covid variants if they are resistant to vaccines.

Mr Johnson said: “I know there will be many who will be worried that we are being too ambitious and that it is arrogant to impose any kind of plan upon a virus and I agree that we must always be humble in the face of nature and that we must be cautious.”

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