Pubs are the heart of our Wealden communities. I am dedicated to ensuring that the 78 pubs and 8 breweries which are based in Wealden will continue to thrive. Pubs and breweries contribute a huge amount locally, both to the economy and to the social life of the community. Each year this industry invests £2.5m into the local economy and it provides 1,422 local jobs in Wealden, many of which go to young people.
Supporting pubs over blanket Covid rules
The Covid-19 pandemic has been incredibly damaging to our hospitality sector. I visited a great wet-led pub in Hailsham to listen to their concerns about the impact of table service on their business.
Table service poses great difficulties and hinders service for wet-led pubs like the King’s Head Clacklebury, who traditionally operate from behind the bar and are now having to expand staff capacity to adhere to the guidance. Due to social distancing measures, this means that they have half the customers for double the cost.
It is absurd that current Covid restrictions fail to take the needs of small wet-led pubs into account. I've written to Ministers to urge them to reconsider current restrictions for wet-led pubs.
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