Hospitality trade prepares for coronavirus shutdown
The hospitality and catering trade in the North West is preparing for a lengthy shutdown as the authorities continue to battle against the coronavirus outbreak.
Sacha Lord, Night Time Economy Adviser to Greater Manchester, says the trade in Manchester is continuing to monitor the situation.
But it is looking increasingly likely large public gatherings will be banned by the end of the week.
Mr Lord said: “The safety of the public is our highest priority and I am continuing to monitor the Government’s advice regarding Coronavirus.
“I have spoken to the Mayor and whilst people should heed official Government advice and take the necessary precautions we also want people to continue to enjoy the night-time economy.
“I understand the concern that many businesses and employees will have at this time and I am working closely with the GMCA on our response.
“I want to reassure all businesses that our sector is very resilient and I have no doubt that if the right support measures are put in place by Government we can recover quickly.
“I also want to call on our sector to come together and play its part in helping to stop the spread.
“We all have a duty to protect ourselves and others and I urge all businesses at this time to ensure there are enough facilities available for customers and staff to wash their hands easily and often.
“I also urge venues to open doors and extend these facilities to passers-by, advertising hand washing facilities where possible.
“Lastly, I want to thank all NHS staff working tirelessly around the clock to care for those affected.
“I will be keeping informed of the situation and will provide further updates in due course.”
Meanwhile, TV chef Gary Usher announced he will be shutting all of his Elite Bistros restaurants for two-and-a-half-days a week.
Mr Usher announced on Twitter that his restaurant chain Elite Bistros will be reducing its hours with the aim of reducing costs.
Mr Usher operates five restaurants in the North West and his latest is in Prescot.
He also has restaurants in Didsbury and Manchester city centre.
He said: “Starting next week, we are going to be closing all of the restaurants for two and a half days a week.
“We feel that this will alleviate pressure on all of the teams, but also on the business as well.
“I have no idea if this is the right decision. The future of Elite Bistro isn’t in our hands anymore but we will do our best by the teams and by the guests to adapt.”
Menus at Elite Bistros venues will also be slimmed down to reduce the cost of holding stock.
Restaurant boss Simon Wood said the crisis has badly affected trade.
The owner of Wood in Manchester said: “I am quietly worried, looking ahead. We just need some more bums on seats, we just need people not to be afraid and to come out for dinner.”
Mr Wood says that he hopes to stimulate local industry by reassuring the public that his staff have brought in an even stricter hygiene regime than usual.
He said: “Here at The Lowry Hotel we can confirm we will be waiving any charges of cancellations relating to Covid-19.
“However we’d like to reassure guests that we are still open at this time and a number of events will still be going ahead, but we are following government guidelines and will take action when changes are advised. All staff have been fully briefed and trained on all necessary cleaning procedures, which are always of the highest standard at the hotel.
“As expected, we have seen significant pressures regarding occupancy, as have hotels across the world, and we’d like to encourage the public to support the hospitality industry and its many workers, whether by rearranging bookings for a later date rather than cancelling all together, or by purchasing gift vouchers.”
Several large events went ahead in Manchester this week including a concert at the Manchester Arena and a St Patrick’s Day Parade in the city centre.
