Grant deadline for wet-led pubs extended

Government has extended the availability of the scheme to support pubs through lost trade over the Christmas period.

The £1,000 grants are available for pubs who derive less than half (50%) of their sales from food which were forced to close from 2 December when tier three restrictions came into force.

Cllr Ged Bell, cabinet member for employment and culture at Newcastle City Council said: “We’re committed to supporting our local economy and have issued almost £90 million in grants to around 9,000 businesses to help businesses weather this economic storm and protect jobs. 

“We’re pleased that the deadline for this scheme has been extended until the end of this month.

“We know many of our bars and pubs have worked swiftly to adapt their operations to meet local tier restrictions, but for many this wasn’t possible and unfortunately they had to close their doors during what should have been the most profitable time of the year.

“Many of these pubs are in the heart of local communities, and it important that they get fast access to this vital funding, to help them through these challenging economic conditions.

“We’ve received 200 applications to date and we’re urging any Newcastle pubs to come forward if they haven’t already done so. Our teams are ready and waiting to get this funding out to you as quickly as possible.”

The scheme was designed to support pubs that predominately serve alcohol through the festive period, who were closed from 2 December when tier three restrictions came into force. Pubs who derived more than 50% of their sales through food were allowed to operate as a takeaway service only.

The council is urging businesses to apply online at www.newcastle.gov.uk/covidbusinesssupport before the deadline of 28 February.  Payments will be made within ten working days.

Newcastle City Council has administered almost £90 million in business support grants since the start of the pandemic to around 9,000 businesses in the city.