Hospitality free to host new year celebrations in England

Health secretary Sajid Javid has confirmed there will be no further Covid restrictions introduced in England in 2021, with citizens advised to celebrate New Years Eve outside if possible.

The government has told people to remain cautious and get their vaccination booster while it continues to measure the Covid-19 infection data and assess whether more measures would be needed in the new year.

Javid said: "People should remain cautious as we approach New Years celebrations and take a lateral flow test if that makes sense, celebrate outside if you can, have some ventilation indoors if you can. Please remain cautious."

The Night Time Economy Adviser for Greater Manchester, Sacha Lord, responded to the announcement on Twitter: "This announcement is bigger than a New Years Eve party in England. For many, this will give us hope. For many, this will help some struggling at the moment. A tough decision, [but] a defining one."

While English hospitality will be welcoming no restrictions on New Years Eve, new measures came into effect in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland after Christmas, with social distancing and tables of six rules put back into effect. Nightclubs have been closed in Wales and Scotland, while those in Northern Ireland will be prohibited from dancing in hospitality venues, unless it is a wedding.

Concern around the Omicron variant ahead of Christmas saw hospitality businesses experience catastrophic levels of cancellations, with many businesses announcing that they would be closing over the festive season in response.

Last week, the Treasury announced a package of support, centering around £6,000 grants for hospitality businesses, which was criticised by many operators who said it would be insufficient to offset the loss of festive trading.