The 10pm curfew could cost pubs and restaurants tens of thousands of pounds a month, the head of a hotel association is warning.
Raphael Herzog, chair of the Bristol Hoteliers Association (BHA), has hit out at the new restrictions which came into force on Thursday (September 24) in England and Wales.
Mr Herzog, who is general manager of a major hotel in the South West, says the new rule caused his restaurant to lose at least £1,000 on the first night.
The curfew was announced by the Prime Minister on Tuesday, along with a number of other rules, in a bid to curb rising rates of Covid-19 in the UK.
“The problem with the curfew at 10pm is everyone is forced to leave at the same time and then they are on the street and not social distancing,” said Mr Herzog.
“A lot of people will go and carry on in houses and flats, and spread the virus. This won’t do any good for the R rate.
“A restaurant is a secure environment. People are seated, there is table service and everyone is socially distanced from one another.
“By closing at 10pm rather than 11pm we lost at least £1,000 last night. That’s £30,000 a month we won’t have in the bank.”
Mr Herzog said chancellor Rishi Sunak’s announcement yesterday was welcome but he believes the Government needs to go further to support the hospitality sector.
Measures unveiled in Mr Sunak's ' Winter Economy Plan ' include a new Jobs Support Scheme, an extension to the cut in VAT for some sectors, and support for businesses and workers.
It comes after increasing pressure from business groups, MPs and unions to extend the furlough scheme amid fears tough new Government restrictions will damage the economy.
Mr Herzog added: “It is welcome but it just not enough unfortunately. We don’t see the scheme as a driver for businesses to keep people in their jobs.”
He also hit out over the new ‘rule of six’, saying it was now “very difficult” for hotels to operate - and it was likely to have a "serious impact" on events.
“We have made significant investments and implemented many procedures to make our hotels safe for guests," he added.
