Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether his Department has undertaken an economic impact assessment of the effect of the most recent covid-19 restrictions on pubs that do not serve food; and if he will make a statement.

On the 30 November, the Government published ‘Analysis of the health, economic and social effects of COVID-19 and the approach to tiering’. As stated in this analysis, it is not possible to forecast the precise economic impact of a specific change to a specific restriction with confidence, however it is clear that restrictions to contain COVID-19 have had major impacts on the economy and public finances.

The Government understands that this is a very challenging time for the UK’s hospitality sector and recognises that the pub sector in particular has been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. The Government continues to collect evidence on the impact of the pandemic on the sector and on the economy as whole and is working with businesses and trade groups to inform our efforts to support these businesses.