Sheffield bar says it may open earlier as pubs react to Boris Johnson's 10pm curfew

Much of the hospitality industry is already struggling following months of lockdown closures, uncertainties and redundancies due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Now, in a bid to deal with the increasing number of cases nationally, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has told pubs, bars and restaurants to shut at 10pm from Thursday.

However, this decision may have a devastating impact for the industry, with more businesses being put at risk, leading to more job uncertainty for many.

Campaign for Pubs commented on the curfew in the north east implemented earlier this week: “Our thoughts are with all the pubs, publicans and pub staff in the North East of England facing yet more loss of income due to the curfew announcement.

"Those making such decisions need to share the evidence behind them and the Government must compensate for the loss of trade.”

The Prime Minister will also announce tonight that all bars, pubs and restaurants will be table service only, with fines for any establishments not sticking to the new rules.

Public, a bar in Sheffield city centre, is trying to cope with the announcement the best they can by changing their opening hours to accommodate for the loss of potential business.

They said on Twitter: “Okey dokey. This new announcement and curfew is obviously very **** for us.

“Should we open earlier?

“Would a (very Public) weekend brunch offering of some sort help for Saturday and Sunday?

“We’re small and agile so can change direction and pounce like a cat! Meow!”

Some people are concerned that the curfew may even make infection rates worse, with more people visiting establishments at similar times.

Pour Sheffield, a beer house in Heeley, commented on Twitter: “If the same number of people go to the pub, and the pub is open for a shorter period, my guess is there may be more people in the pub at the same time.”

Kate Nicholls, chief executive of trade body UKHospitality, described the new restrictions as “another crushing blow” for businesses in the industry.

She said: “It is hard to understand how these measures are the solution to fighting the disease when Government data shows that just 5 per cent of infections out of the home are related to hospitality."

Up to 6,000 jobs are being axed at Premier Inn owner Whitbread, and the group said the cuts would impact 18 per cent of the total workforce across its hotel and restaurant brands, which also includes the Beefeater pubs and Brewers Fayre chains.

The Wetherspoon pub chain also warned its airport staff that 400 and 450 jobs are at risk of redundancy.

Phil Urban, chief executive of Mitchells & Butlers, who own numerous bars and restaurants in Sheffield. including The Harley and Bungalows & Bears, told the Financial Times: “For operators who have put so much time into [opening up] safely it is galling to look at going into a second lockdown.”

Visit the Sheffield CAMRA website for a guide on safe pub-going.