Dodds announces new £10m support scheme for wet pubs
Economy Minister Diane Dodds today announced a new Covid support scheme to help wet pubs forced to close by regulations.
The Wet Pubs Business Support Scheme (WPBSS) will provide £10.6m to drink-only public houses which were forced to close between July 4 and September 23.
The Minister said: “Public houses which serve drink only have suffered significantly due to the impact of the restrictions on trading imposed through the Health Regulations. Most hospitality businesses were able to re-open on 4th July after the first restrictions were eased, however, pubs that didn’t serve a main meal were required to remain closed until 23rd September – some 12 weeks longer. This is why I felt it was very important to provide this support scheme for wet pubs.”