Without proper support South Yorkshire pubs risk closing for good: CAMRA

Responding to Tier 3 restrictions being placed on South Yorkshire from Saturday, CAMRA Chief Executive Tom Stainer said:

“These Tier 3 restrictions will be absolutely devastating for local pubs and breweries across Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield.

“Publicans have done everything to make their premises COVID-secure, and have been operating at reduced trade for months whilst trying to recover from both the first lockdown and months of reduced consumer confidence as a result of restrictions like the curfew.

“If pubs across South Yorkshire are to avoid becoming a sacrificial lamb then they need a decent, long-term financial support package. This must properly compensate pubs for having to either close altogether – or stay open with extremely low footfall whilst they serve food. 

“It also needs to help pubs pay wages before the new jobs support scheme kicks in, as well as providing help in the weeks and months after restrictions are lifted if pubs and breweries are to have any chance of getting back on their feet and avoiding having to close their doors for good before Christmas.”