UKHospitality launches #Fair4Hospitality roadmap for reopening sector on 4 July

UKHospitality has called on government to support a safe and sustainable reopening for restaurants, pubs and hotels this summer through its #Fair4Hospitality campaign.

Launched today, the campaign covers four key areas:

• Wellbeing: Endorse the sector's best-practice protocols and risk assessments for a Covid-secure restart;
• Workers: Ensure the furlough scheme is retained at full rate for hospitality until businesses successfully restart;
• Communities: Regulate to provide a ‘National Time Out' on rent payments for the remainder of the year and a solution to address debt and costs for business;
• Consumers: Cut the rate of VAT for hospitality businesses to help boost confidence and incentivise visits to tourist destinations.

UKHospitality has submitted its health and safety protocols to ministers for endorsement, alongside the message that the industry is ready to open but needs fair treatment and can't have a one size fits all approach.

The Telegraph reports the 75-page document proposes the end of salt and pepper shakers, hotel buffets and sitting at the bar.

The document outlines tailored guidelines for pubs, restaurants, hotels, amusement parks, nightclubs and holiday parks.

It suggests restaurants and pubs should offer reduced menus and keep kitchen staff away from one another, hotel buffets should be avoided, hotel pool or gym users should change in their rooms and pubs should offer table service where possible.

Kate Nicholls, UKHospitality chief executive, said: "Hospitality needs the UK and devolved governments to help us deliver for our customers, our employees, local communities and the wellbeing of the nation. We will be ready to restart, in England on 4 July and other parts of the country when allowed, but for the entire country to come together again after lockdown, governments must invest in a fair and timely return for hospitality and all those who rely on it.

"The sector provides jobs and livelihoods in every city, town and village. But we are more than that, our venues are where communities come together – our doors reopening will be a true measure of national recovery. It is vital that reopening is done in the right way, at the right time and with the right support so that our industry can help rebuild shattered consumer confidence and bring the nation back together safely over the coming months.

"The summer is a crucial time for the sector. The Great British public deserve safe accommodation, eating and drinking out experiences, holidays and leisure time; the financial cost is a justified investment in our nation's wellbeing and the future of the economy."

Photo: Shutterstock