Julian Questions Ministers on the 10pm Hospitality Curfew
October 2, 2020
Following concerns raised by constituents, Julian has tabled a series of parliamentary written questions regarding the 10pm curfew recently imposed on the hospitality industry. This follows reports from around the country, including York city centre, of the curfew leading to crowding as multiple venues empty onto the streets and demand for public transport surges.
The written questions focus on what guidance the Department of Health and Social Care received ahead of implementing the curfew and whether Ministers have a set timeline for reviewing the measure. Further to this, Julian also asked what assessment the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy made of the impact the curfew would have on the hospitality industry.
Commenting after submitting the written questions, Julian said:
“Following nearly four months of lockdown, pubs and restaurants across the country have made adaptions to comply with Government safety measures to give their clientele the confidence to return.
While I fully support the ‘rule of six’ and mandated table service as sensible methods of controlling the spread of the virus, I have concerns that the 10pm curfew on the hospitality industry is ill thought out and has so far only exacerbated a problem it aimed to solve.
As we continue to bounce back from lockdown, the Government needs to listen and work with those in the hospitality industry to allow businesses to continue to trade in a safe and financially viable way.”
