Hospitality Demonstrates: It’s Important
Hospitality has suffered more than almost any other sector during the pandemic, and despite government help there clearly isn’t enough being done in Whitehall to stem the next wave of bankruptcies about to wash over the sector. Which is why we’re right behind the demonstration currently taking place in Parliament Square.
Hospo Demo is aiming to highlight the hurt that restrictions have placed on the industry. Citing a study that puts covid transmission in hospitality settings as low as 2% of the total, the organisers, led by industry marketer Rachel Harty. The last demonstration, back in October, drew high profile chefs and industry figures including Jason Atherton, Tom Aikens, Yotam Ottolenghi, Margot Henderson and Sly Augustin to Central London to demonstrate and its hoped that today’s effort will be as impressive.
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The demonstration aims to make as much noise as possible, and will be socially distanced and as safe as possible while bringing attention to the lack of support the sector has received.
The organisers demand an easing of restrictions or, equally fairly, more government support, but quite rightly they point out that making eating and drinking out nigh-on impossible while not stepping in to deal with the effects of this policy is irresponsible and unfair.
The demonstration aims to make as much noise as possible…
It remains to be seen how the government will respond. A last minute concession last week gave pubs £1,000 one-off grand t”in lieu of Christmas trade”. Which is presumably either a joke or based on the balance sheet from Britain’s worst performing public house.
But it’s a pigeon step in the right direction and an acknowledgement that the sect0r needs more support. Hopefully MPs and policy makers will listen to today’s protest and start to do more for this vital industry.
Join the protest by heading to Parliament Square today for 1045 am, and you’ll find more info here…
