Chamber Comments on Bolton Covid Restrictions
3 years ago
Commenting on the news that all hospitality in Bolton will have to be take-away only and with a strict night-time closure programme in place, Chris Fletcher, Policy and Communications Director at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: “To anyone watching with concern the news and recent rises in cases over the last few days, today’s announcement by the Health Secretary about further restrictions and measures in Bolton will come as little surprise.
“Even though venues can remain open and just offer a takeaway service, the potential hit to the hospitality sector, just getting back on its feet after enduring a longer lockdown than other sectors could be extremely damaging. The other question is how quickly businesses affected can convert to off site sales.
“There is a worrying trend across Greater Manchester with rising cases and the big concern is that to ensure public health is protected this won’t be the only example of further restrictions with the possibility of even more drastic local lockdown measures should the numbers not start improving.”
Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce is the largest Chamber of Commerce in the UK, providing business support to approximately 4,500 members who collectively employ 446,000 people, around one-third of Greater Manchester’s workforce.
Recognised as a leader in its field, Greater Manchester Chamber’s reputation in government circles has grown locally and nationally. At the heart of the area of greatest economic intensity outside London and the South East, the Chamber is the primary body for business support, policy, representation and networking.
The Chamber is an independent, not-for-profit private company and its aim is to support businesses and help create the best climate for the region to prosper. This is achieved by ensuring that those taking decisions on key issues such as transport, taxation and business regulation hear the voice of our members. The representation of our members’ views is central to the work of the policy team at the Chamber; these views are gathered in a range of ways including our local councils, policy committees, sector councils, the main Chamber council, focus groups, meetings with politicians and consultations.
The Chamber also offers a range of networking forums across Greater Manchester, free as part of membership, plus a variety of other events and services designed to benefit specific sectors or individuals and help businesses to grow.