Mayor appeals for greater support for hospitality sectorpublished at 17:00 Greenwich Mean Time 30 November 2020
The Mayor of the West Midlands has appealed for greater support for the hospitality industry as the majority of the region prepares to enter tier three restrictions.
When lockdown lifts on Wednesday, hospitality businesses in Birmingham and the Black Country, Solihull, Coventry, Warwickshire, Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, will only be able to offer a takeaway or delivery service.
In a letter to Chancellor Rishi Sunak, Andy Street said the industry expected about 80% of pubs and bars to be put into a "perilous position" over the coming months.
Mr Street says larger and medium size businesses cannot survive on monthly grants capped at £3,000 and has asked Mr Sunak to increase the value of grant support.
He has also asked him to introduce more long-term measures, and consider additional support.
Mr Street has also called for more detail to be provided to businesses on how tier decisions are made.
"Now, as we enter its final months, we must request this further urgent action," he said.
"Your support now will ensure that these businesses and livelihoods are protected."