Restaurant bosses demand ‘straight talking’ from Government on Covid plans
The IndependentGet the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “We’re left in the same position we were in last March.” Anton Sevelevs, manager of Cassia Sambuca in North Shields, North Tyneside, said: the Government should “stop messing about and giving out mixed messages”. “In my opinion, they are doing it so they don’t have to give financial aid to people, which is, of course, having a negative impact on the entire hospitality industry.” Anyone with half a brain gets boosted, wears a mask and gets on with it Liz Taylor Celebrity and corporate party planner Liz Taylor said: “We cannot cancel Christmas again, we have to live with this.” The businesswoman has worked with Coronation Street staff, Manchester United and on Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford’s wedding, and was still planning a prominent client’s 80th birthday celebration this weekend, although the guest list has dropped from 100 to 75. “Like Frankie Boyle said in his tweet, the advice seems to be have parties and don’t go to them.” Mr Claridge said the Covid pandemic had changed customer behaviour, with his restaurant going from the “dream” scenario of having 75% of bookings at least three months in advance, to now only being 10 days in advance. “If the great minds in charge of the country can’t see that there’s just those three options, and can’t work out what to do in each scenario, then we’re all screwed anyway.” Mr Claridge called for the Government to discuss its contingency planning with the industry quickly, as many restaurants break up on December 23 or Christmas Eve.
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