Ahead of the second lockdown, many hospitality venues and businesses face an uncertain future, particularly for those which relied on serving takeaway during parts of the first national lockdown earlier this year.
Stephen Morgan MP has raised the concerns of a number of his constituents on this issue, submitting written parliamentary questions to the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Rt. Hon Oliver Dowden MP, as part of ongoing efforts to ensure the sector’s views are heard in Government plans.
The Member of Parliament for Portsmouth South, said,
“The second national lockdown is going to prove to be a difficult period for many businesses, no less so than the hospitality sector and its supply-chain businesses.
“I know for many businesses the ability to serve takeaway alcohol during parts of the initial national lockdown was a lifeline for many of them, and I have requested further clarity from the government if this could be allowed during the coming lockdown.
“I recognise it is not just pubs and restaurants that could be affected without this provision, but also other businesses such as some of the fantastic local breweries I was able to visit in Portsmouth earlier this year.
“Pubs and brewing alone contribute £23 billion to UK economy, generate £13 billion in tax revenues and support 900,000 jobs. They are an incredibly important part of local and wider national economy, and its of critical importance these businesses survive through this period.
“It is why I will be seeking further clarity from the government on the sale of takeaway alcohol during the second national lockdown”.
Mr Morgan has been taking a range of actions to help Portsmouth’s hospitality sector, most recently calling for greater support for pubs, restaurants and other local businesses following a significant number of closures over the last decade.
