The Coronavirus pandemic has inflicted an enormous financial burden on local businesses throughout Fareham. Scenes hitherto unimagined during British summertime – empty pub gardens and lifeless restaurants – have been commonplace, as the hospitality industry has been shaken by this unprecedented crisis.
The Chancellor’s ‘Eat Out to Help Out Scheme’ promises to turn the tide, reinvigorating the sector by incentivising community support. Through the scheme, participating restaurants, bars, cafes and other establishments will offer a 50% reduction – up to a maximum of £10 per person – to all diners who eat and/or drink throughout August. Customers can benefit from this discount all day, every Monday to Wednesday, as the Government looks to drive up footfall during generally quieter weekdays. At the end of each week, businesses can claim the money back, and receive the funds within five working days.
By midnight 19 July, 32,362 restaurants have already signed up to the scheme.
1.8 million people work in the hospitality industry, and ensuring steady demand will be vital as these businesses re-open and join the path towards recovery. The plan promises to protect jobs by providing businesses owners with the confidence to retain and hire employees. This represents a crucial intervention – 1.4 million hospitality workers have been furloughed since April when 80% of firms stopped trading, the highest proportions of any sector.
Around Fareham, business owners are gradually re-opening their doors and customers are enjoying a taste of normality. Last week, Suella visited Titchfield for lunch, to experience first-hand the palpable sense of optimism that has accompanied the Chancellor’s latest announcement.
Suella Braverman, MP for Fareham, said:
“I am delighted to see that small businesses and independent stores have started to reopen to the public. Aware of the enormous financial difficulties faced by Fareham’s hospitality sector over the last few months, I encourage you all to get out and support our local businesses as they emerge from this crisis.
By embracing the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme, we can protect the pubs, restaurants and cafes that have come to represent a cornerstone of our cultural identity. Continually in awe of the steadfast fortitude of Fareham residents, I am confident that we can come together once more, and enjoy a half price brownie to reinvigorate our local economy."
