Pubs and other hospitality businesses will benefit from £3 million in help from Greenwich Council to help them recover from the pandemic.
Greenwich is following in the footsteps of neighbouring Bexley and Bromley, who have also run similar schemes aimed at pubs, which have had to close during this lockdown and have faced a year of restrictions and forced closures.
While pubs in Greenwich had been able to access general support available to all businesses, was in place to specifically help them. The money comes from the government, but councils have the freedom to decide who is eligible.
Greenwich’s scheme is broader than those of its neighbours as it also aims to support cafes, restaurants, licensed function venues such as sports clubs and hotels. Between £10,000 and £25,000 is available.
Council leader Danny Thorpe said: “Pubs, restaurants and hotels are an integral part of the identity and economy of our borough. They bring life and a vibrancy to our local high streets and can make a place a must visit destination as well as being major employers and helping keep our economy afloat.
“When we have come so far, and are beginning to see things improve, now is not the time to stand by and let them wither. When we can meet each other again we’ll want to eat, drink and laugh in our favourite café, restaurant or pub – so we have to ensure they’ll still exist then.”
Deputy leader Denise Scott-McDonald said over 150 businesses could benefit immediately from the help, and asked businesses that had not already been contacted to get in touch. Businesses can apply via the council website.
Earlier this month 853 covered a call from the Conservative councillor Charlie Davis to set up a scheme for pubs.
Davis told last night’s Greenwich Council meeting that he welcomed the news. “I’m incredibly pleased that the council is adopting our policies and are listening to us,” he said.
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