Shabana has written to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial strategy in support of the hospitality and events industry.

Many businesses across the hospitality spectrum have contacted Shabana sharing their concerns on how the fluctuating Government guidance has impacted their capacity to operate.

Shabana agrees that the Government must do more to protect the financial future of businesses in the events and hospitality sector.

In her letter, Shabana asks the Business Secretary to look again at the rules on a 10pm curfew, and reconsider the level of support given to the hospitality industry.

You can read her letter in full below.

Letter to the Secretary of State

Dear Secretary of State

I have recently been contacted by many business owners and constituents working in the hospitality industry, regarding the impact of the 10pm curfew imposed by the Government.

My constituency encompasses the whole of Birmingham city centre, and includes several thriving local high streets, and as such is the home to many hospitality and events businesses. These businesses have been hit particularly hard as a consequence of muddled and confused Government messaging and public health guidance.

Many business owners operating in my constituency have worked diligently to reopen their premises under safe and covid-secure conditions. It cannot be ignored that many hospitality businesses lost most of their trade during the spring, operated on a limited basis during the summer, and under the 10pm curfew are facing another six months of uncertainty and further curtailed trade.

The repercussions of the 10pm curfew has meant that many businesses are finding it unviable to continue operating and employing their staff. If businesses cannot operate at their full capacity, then they will be unable to generate enough income to pay their employees. This renders the Job Support Scheme hugely ineffective for my constituents working in the hospitality industry. My constituency already has one of the highest unemployment rates across the country. Therefore it concerns me that many businesses may find it more cost-effective to issue redundancies to their staff.

My constituents believe that the ‘Winter Economy Plan’ simply does not go far enough. I agree that if businesses in the hospitality industry are to survive in the latest Government-imposed restrictions, then the Government must deliver sector-specific support packages, and implement the inclusion and extension of business rate reliefs until 2022, to prevent this industry from collapsing.

My constituents would feel reassured if the Government would urgently review the 10pm curfew and consider greater protections for the hospitality industry to prevent mass-unemployment in the sector.  I would be grateful if you would address my constituents’ concerns and set out what action the Government will intend to take on the matter.

Yours sincerely

Shabana Mahmood MP

Birmingham Ladywood