- Haircuts, coffees and day trips will help get thousands back to their jobs and livelihoods
- Nickie Aiken MP: ‘Time to give our businesses a post-Covid summer bounce’
Thousands of hospitality and leisure businesses across Westminster and the City of London can benefit from a post Covid summer bounce, as they reopen on 4th July, according to Nickie Aiken MP.
Figures uncovered by Nickie show up to 7,165 businesses* in the Two Cities are set to reopen and resume trading from Saturday 4th July - as Covid infection rates continue to fall and lockdown measures are eased.
Pubs, restaurants, hairdressers, cinemas and leisure facilities will be able to reopen providing they can do so safely and follow guidelines.
Nickie is urging all of us to get out and support them – helping thousands of people back to their jobs and livelihoods and giving our local economy a post-Covid summer bounce.
Nickie Aiken MP said:
“It’s been a challenging three months, but thanks to our collective effort we are beating Covid and gradually exiting lockdown safely. We are now able to see a little more of our friends and family, and people can begin to enjoy all the Two Cities has to offer.
“I urge everyone both locally and from further afield to get out and support our hospitality and leisure businesses. Whether it’s enjoying a coffee, pint or meal out, getting a haircut or going to the cinema, we can help thousands of people back to their jobs and livelihoods.
“It goes without saying that we should all follow social distancing rules and look out for each other’s safety – and while we do that, let’s give our Central London businesses a post-Covid summer bounce!
Nickie has also worked with the theatre and hospitality industry to produce a recovery plan for the West End which she has taken to the heart of government.
Nickie continued:
“Our priority now is to support the businesses and sectors that are still unable to reopen such as our theatres. If our theatres do well, so will our hotels, restaurants, shops and bars. I’ve worked with industry and taken our recovery plan to the heart of government – we’re all keen to see performances return safely as soon as possible.
“During this difficult time, I have been grateful for the support and guidance provided by UKHospitality, our local Business Improvement Districts and the London Property Alliance, all of whom I have been meeting with on a weekly basis. My thanks also to all the local businesses who contacted me directly with their concerns. I hope they are encouraged by these steps.”
Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden said:
“This is a significant moment for the UK’s fantastic tourism and hospitality businesses and the bounce back can now begin on July 4th. Across the country people have been looking forward to taking a day trip, weekend break or staycation following their efforts in lockdown over the past three months. Britain deserves a break and I hope people get out, support tourism businesses and enjoy a break safely.”
The Government will be publishing detailed guidance to help tourist attractions and accommodation venues to re-open safely, such as by social distancing and cleaning protocols. A new industry standard will also be introduced by Visit England, so that the public can easily see if the venue is carrying out the new rules. The Government will keep all measures under constant review.
You can read Nickie’s recovery plan for the West End and watch her summit at:
https://www.nickieaiken.org.uk/WestEnd
*7,165 businesses are those in the hospitality and leisure sectors and include accommodation, food, arts, entertainment, and recreation services.
