More than 700 pubs in Portsmouth and Hampshire could remain shut over Christmas, pub group warns

A total of 718 venues in Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton will be forced to close in December, according to research by the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA).

The 66 per cent closure rate is based on a survey of 32 of the BBPA’s members, which own 16,000 pubs between them.

Under Tier 2 restrictions, pubs and bars can only serve alcohol on the premises with a ‘substantial meal’, meaning many wet-led pubs will not be able to reopen.

Now the BBPA is warning of ‘carnage’ across the industry in England unless the government acts immediately to provide more help.

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the trade body, said: ‘With 99 per cent of the country under tighter Tier 2 or Tier 3 restrictions, there will be carnage unless the Government acts immediately.

‘We need the Government to recognise the impact of these restrictions and urgently provide more financial support.

‘We cannot overstate how serious the situation is currently facing our staff, communities and businesses.

‘The future of hundreds of breweries, thousands of pubs and tens of thousands of jobs hangs in the balance.’

Across England, an estimated 30,400 pubs will have to close during December – 13,900 in Tier 2 areas and a further 16,500 in those under Tier 3 restrictions.

Last month saw pubs and restaurants from Havant to Fareham warn that they would have to remain closed during one of the busiest times of year due to the latest Covid-19 restrictions.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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