On Monday 14th June 2021, the Prime Minister addressed the nation to tell us what we feared – the final stage in the government’s roadmap to freedom has been delayed. While it may not have come as a complete surprise given the rampant spread of the Delta variant, it is still a huge blow to the hospitality sector – one of the sectors most heavily affected by the pandemic from the start.
As it now stands, instead of the 21st June, the country will not now fully reopen until at least the 19th July, which will have huge repercussions for the hospitality sector. Table service remains, as does mask-wearing and social distancing. While pubs and restaurants have shown incredible resilience in the face of these challenges, installing plenty of outdoor seating where possible and rising to the challenges of table service and heightened cleaning regimes, none of them wished for the restrictions to continue for any longer than they had to.
From the 1st July, businesses forced to close or reduce staffing will have to start contributing more towards furlough payments. Employers who currently receive subsidies to pay 80% of laid-off workers' wages will instead receive only 70% and will have to make up the extra 10% themselves, which is sure to have a huge impact on the bottom line. Pubs and restaurants will still be required to operate with limited capacity, which is all very well until the British weather scuppers plans! And nightclubs and music venues, who have been forced to shut from the start, can’t even begin to think about reopening, despite their hopes that they might have been able to on the original date of the 21st June.
While this is a further devastating blow to the hospitality industry, there is some good news despite the gloom. Weddings, having previously been restricted to a maximum of 30 people, can now go ahead with an unlimited number of guests, providing a comprehensive risk assessment has been carried out, social distancing remains in place and the venue is Covid-secure. While indoor venues will still need to provide table service, this is still a huge step forward for the wedding industry, which has been hit hard. It should also go some way towards enabling people to get on with the most important events in their lives.
The hope very much remains that the country can fully emerge from lockdown on 19th July, and that restrictions can finally be a thing of the past.
If you are planning a wedding and you need luxury toilet hire, then we’d advise that you book quickly. With the sharp rise of bigger weddings going ahead over the next few months, toilet hire will be in short supply. Get in touch with us today to discuss your requirements.
