London Scuffs at new COVID-19 Tier restrictions

Millions across London and other tier two areas now face stern measures to keep rising Covid-19 cases at a minimum. 

Since London joined the tier-two Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, all Bars, Pubs and restaurants have been asked to not accept any customers in groups of more than six who have come from a different house with an additional 10pm curfew. As a result many owners have expressed this to be a struggle in supporting their businesses.

Monica Pusceddu, direct manager of chain organisation ‘All star Lanes’ told us that “The first lockdown almost threatened closing down our business! Within the first week I was forced to let go of 13 employees and it was heartbreaking. Once the furlough scheme was introduced we were able to rehire them, but our staff are still not being payed enough to provide them with a suitable living wage. I’m afraid that a second lockdown will cause a lot of them to return to their home countries. Some of them have worked so hard to get here, and hospitality provides jobs for a lot of young migrants.”

With the 10pm curfew being the prime time for when bars and pubs are most occupied, it has resulted in businesses such as All star lanes to take longer to recover from the coronavirus crisis. Along side the majority of workers being migrants, many have found it difficult to stay in England.

Cristian Di Lilli, a 25 year old Bar tender commented, “I went back home to Italy during the first lockdown to visit my family. Once I returned to England once restrictions were eased I couldn’t return to my job and found it very difficult to find work for months.”

With coronavirus cases rising everyday once again in England, it has been advised for all workers to stay up to date on whether another lockdown will be announced during November.