Michael Fabricant has been in contact for some weeks with the Treasury and Treasury Ministers with regard to the need to support pubs and other hospitality venues.

“I have been contacted by a number of constituents, most recently by Councillor Richard Cox of Lichfield District Council, asking for financial support for our pubs and other hospitality venues such as restaurants and specialist wedding venues. I recognise they need help over lock-down so they can hit the ground running when this Covid crisis is over” says Michael.  “I have consequently been in contact with Treasury officials and ministers including Rishi Sunak about this.

“With regard to pubs, I have focussed on spirit and beer duty and whether these can be adjusted to incentivise sales when pubs are allowed to reopen.  With regard to hospitality venues in general, including pubs, I have joined West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street, in asking for additional financial help so that these businesses can remain viable during lockdown to enable them to reopen when we finally reach the end of this dark tunnel.

“The Budget is on March 3^rd and I hope for some news on alcohol duties then, but I am urging for support for the industry generally a little sooner.  But I am, of course, always aware that this Covid pandemic has already cost this nation trillions of pounds of debt, so Rishi Sunak and the Treasury will be constrained with what they can offer.”