The UK Government has introduced a three-tiered system of local Covid-19 alert levels for England, set at medium, high and very high.
For a full list of areas in England covered by each local alert level, visit the UK Government website.
Businesses in very high alert level areas face a number of restrictions, based on discussions between central and local government on the measures needed to reduce the spread of Covid-19. For example, pubs and bars can only remain open if they operate as a restaurant serving “substantial” meals – and they may only serve alcohol as part of these meals. Additional measures may be implemented in different local authorities, such as closing gyms and leisure centres.
In the high and medium alert level areas, certain businesses selling food or drink on their premises must close between 10pm and 5am. Those selling food for consumption off the premises can continue to do so after 10pm, as long as this is through delivery service, click and collect or drive through.
On Friday 9 October, the UK Government announced a package of measures designed to help businesses and employees affected by restrictions aimed at halting the spread of Covid-19.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said the new Job Support Scheme, which will replace the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme at the end of this month, will be expanded to help firms whose premises are legally required to shut as part of local or national restrictions.
Cash grants for businesses required to close in very high alert level areas will be increased to a maximum of £3,000 a month. Grants of up to £2,100 a month will be available to hospitality, leisure and accommodation businesses in areas under the high alert level.
The Scottish Government has also announced changes to restrictions affecting the country’s hospitality industry. From Monday 2 November, hospitality premises in certain areas will be able to serve alcohol indoors with meals until 8pm. Licensed premises in Level 3 areas will not be allowed to serve alcohol, indoors or outdoors.
In Wales, a “firebreak lockdown” is in place until Monday 9 November. Non-essential shops are closed, while cafes, restaurants and pubs are allowed to open for takeaway services only.
Supporting businesses
As these challenging times for the British economy continue, LendingCrowd stands ready and able to help small and medium-sized business access much-needed support through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).
CBILS is restricted to institutional lenders and we expect that all our lending will be made through this scheme for the foreseeable future as we continue to support businesses the length and breadth of Britain.
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