DESPERATE London business bosses today demanded a new rescue package after government advice to be cautious about socialising in the run-up to Christmas triggered a fresh wave of crippling cancellations.
Hospitality, entertainment and retail sector leaders said trade had “fallen off a cliff" with cancellation rates running at up to 70 per cent in restaurants and even higher for large Christmas parties. They warned of “thousands and thousands" of London businesses going to the wall in the new year if they do not get urgent support in the form of further reductions in VAT and extended business rates relief.
It came as key sectors of the London economy effectively began to shut down early for Christmas, missing out on the lifeblood of vital revenue at their busiest time of year.
Clive Watson, chairman of the City Pub group, told the Standard that he was closing the group's venues in the City and other office-dominated areas tomorrow – five days early as there was “no one around".
Denne historien er fra December 16, 2021-utgaven av Evening Standard.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra December 16, 2021-utgaven av Evening Standard.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Why are England wasting time waiting for Tuchel?
Winning the World Cup is the aim, so the new boss should start now
He's been shot, and punched by Mike Tyson, but British boxing's great survivor is back on top and aiming to rule the world
This is where the magic happens,\" reads a big neon sign scrawled across the entrance to the offices of arguably the most powerful man in British boxing today.
How Sketch went from 'obscene' to era-defining
After arocky start, the glamorous and infamous restaurant is now an institution
Money is worth less than time'
He's quit Fendi, but what will Kim Jones do next?
London's Roman Amphitheatre
Guildhall Yard, EC2V
Liberals didn't notice they'd lost relevance in the all-consuming digital sphere
There are many reasons why Donald Trump might have won the election last week.
Do we have to die?
One neuroscientist thinks the answer is no
How to have a magical Christmas in Edinburgh
From cosy cobblestone streets to abundant Yuletide goings-on, few cities rival the Scottish capital in creating Christmas whimsy.
London's best festive restaurants
The social season is upon us once more. These are the city’s most coveted Christmas venues, which need to be booked soon so as to not miss out on the tinsel and tipples.
Rag'n'Bone Man
I struggle with being recognised... I'll never really feel comfortable with it'
