A group of hospitality venues across Birmingham have called on the region's mayor to stand by the sector as the city awaits a decision on coronavirus restrictions tomorrow.
More than 35 venues have signed an open letter to Andy Street and urged him to join up with other civic leaders and exert some influence over the Government on its "incongruous and irrational philosophy" in respect of the sector.
The current lockdown is due to end on December 2 after which cities and districts will be placed into tiers based on the rate of coronavirus cases in each location.
A decision on which tier cities and towns across the country will be in is due to be announced tomorrow.
The letter, which can be read in full below, said:
"As members of the Birmingham hospitality industry, we would like to underline the fact the cultural fabric of our region is underpinned by an extensive network of hospitality businesses, many of whom, tragically, have failed to survive the first wave of the covid pandemic.
"The imposition of new regulations to be imposed after December 2 does, we believe, pose a significant threat to those who attend remaining hospitality businesses as we struggle to survive the second wave of the pandemic.
"We believe this significant threat to our survival can be averted if council leaders in the major metropolitan conurbations present a united front to question the Government's rationale in determining that hospitality environments present greater risks in covid transmission compared to, for example, retail environments."
In response, Mr Street posted on his Twitter account today: "Thank you to all of you who have signed the hospitality letter to me.
"I know how critical the sector is which is why I fought so hard to get extra financial support when the West Mids first entered T2 (tier 2).
"Thursday's decision by the Government will be made based on the health data but I am ready to fight for extra financial support again if required.
"Through meetings….I have been engaging with the sector and understand your struggles. However just because I don't rush to a microphone, does not mean I am not fighting your corner.
"Sometimes it is more effective to lobby and negotiate in private but I am always standing up for the West Midlands and the people I represent."
