Government ‘likely to close pubs in north from Monday’, according to latest reports
The government is debating whether to close pubs in the north from next week as local coronavirus cases continue to spiral out of control.
New reports suggest that England’s worst-affected regions will soon have to shut down hospitality venues to bring the virus numbers down.
ITV’s Political Editor Robert Peston said that “[ministers] are likely to impose closure of all hospitality venues – pubs and restaurants – for a period.
“These new restrictions are most likely to be announced on Monday, although they could come earlier.”
Health Secretary Matt Hancock is apparently chairing a meeting later today (Wednesday 7 October) to review whether the measures should be enforced.
Peston also stated that council leaders in the north are “demanding financial compensation for businesses in their areas damaged by the planned new restrictions, as a precondition for giving their support for the restrictions.”
The move is anticipated to generate backlash – with the hospitality sector already protesting the current 10pm curfew.