Hartlepool pub and restaurant bosses feel singled out under Tier 3 while MP warns of 'devastating effects'

Pubs, restaurants and hotels were dealt a further blow when the Government confirmed Hartlepool and the North East will enter the Very High category when the national lockdown ends on Wednesday, December 2.

They will only be able to operate for takeaways, deliveries or drive-through.

Hartlepool MP Mike Hill warned the move could have devastating consequences for businesses as it comes at one of their busiest times of the year in the run up to Christmas.

Darab Rezai, chairman of Hartlepool Licensees Association, said: “It’s absolutely disappointing and heartbreaking for everybody in the industry.”

He said it is right that businesses can reopen within the guidelines but said hospitality should not be singled out.

Mr Rezai said: "If you go to a restaurant where you are keeping social distancing I can’t understand what the problem is.

"We are just hoping it is relaxed after December 16 when it is reviewed. Quite a lot of restaurants have got bookings for Christmas.”

He added: “I cannot understand how and why London is in Tier 2 opening all of their restaurants and bars whilst the most of the rest of the country is to maintain in Tier 3 and left to suffer.”

Scott Weir of Tees Inns, which has four North East pubs including King Johns Tavern in Hartlepool, said the decision was expected.

He said he understood the need to reduce the Covid infection rate, but he added: "There’s no clear evidence that pubs are super spreaders and I think we’re a bit of a scapegoat.

"We’re heading into what would have been our most valuable trading period, Christmas, and now lots of businesses will be facing failure.”

But Scott said the furlough scheme had protected staff’s jobs.

Lee Dexter, who owns The Marine Hotel at Seaton Carew and The Park Hotel at Redcar said December provides a valuable buffer for the quieter months of January to March.

He said: “Hopefully cases come down and we can get back open mid December fingers crossed.

"If we can open even for the last 10 days it will make a massive difference.

“It is not just us. There’s a lot of other trades like butchers, bakers, taxi drivers that rely on hotels over the Christmas period.”

MP Mike Hill said he was angry the Government had not consulted with local leaders before announcing the latest regional tiers.

He said: “We were in Tier 2 before the lockdown and making progress so it would have made more sense to at least put us back there and give us a fighting chance.

"With the announcement that Tier 3 is to contain tougher measures the effect on local jobs and businesses, particularly hospitality, could be devastating.”

Jonathan Walker, director of policy for the North East England Chamber of Commerce said businesses must continue to receive the necessary support to mitigate the measures.

He added it was vital businesses get clarity on what is needed to move into a lower tier.

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