Bedford Borough Council has issued a reminder that this Sunday (31 January) is the deadline for pubs to apply for a Christmas Support Grant.
Pubs, along with restaurants, non-essential retail businesses and hairdressers, were forced to close on 19 December as England entered its third lockdown as a result of the Covid-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.
This came as a devastating blow for the hospitality and retail sector, who rely heavily on Christmas trade to see them through the year.
The grant, worth £1,000, is for any pubs where the income from food sales is normally less than 50% of the pub’s income.
This grant is funded by the Government and administered locally by Bedford Borough Council.
It is a one-off payment, on top of other support grants for businesses that have had to close or been adversely impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.
Anyone who thinks that their pub may qualify and hasn’t already applied is urged to apply by emailing BusinessGrantApplications@bedford.gov.uk.
Cllr Michael Headley, Portfolio Holder for Finance said: “This one-off grant is specifically for those ‘wet-led’ pubs, where food sales are usually less than 50% of the pub’s income, which have been heavily impacted, particularly by loss of trade over the festive season.
“If your pub is eligible, do not miss out. Get in touch with the Council by emailing BusinessGrantApplications@bedford.gov.uk by Sunday 31 January.”
