Business leaders in Coventry and Warwickshire say firms across the city and the county can’t wait to reopen after the Prime Minister set out the latest update on the roadmap out of restrictions.
From Monday, May 17, pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues can open indoors, indoor entertainment venues – such as cinemas and theatres – can reopen, along with remaining outdoor venues.
Hotels, hostels and B&Bs can also open their doors once again while weddings can be held for up to 30 people. Performances and larger events can restart, but with limited numbers.
Tom Mongan, the president of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said it was positive news that the Government roadmap was holding firm.
He said: “When the Prime Minister set out his roadmap a couple of months ago, it gave businesses the opportunity to plan. Everyone was hopeful that it would be followed and that it would avoid a return to going in and out of lockdown.
“So far, the roadmap is holding firm and this will be a massive relief to businesses who simply can’t wait to start reopening again and doing what they do best.
“Of course, the Government support has helped thousands of companies to survive and has saved many, many jobs but businesses want to be serving customers and making sales.
“From Monday, more and more businesses will open up and it’s going to be a special moment here in Coventry and Warwickshire. The leisure, hospitality, tourism and events sector is a major contributor to the economy at the best of times but with UK City of Culture getting underway on May 15, it is going to become even more important.
“We’re now all looking towards June 21 to see exactly how we will begin to emerge from all restrictions and what plans all businesses can make regarding a return to something like normality.
“That is something that Government must start to give guidance on very soon.”
British Chambers of Commerce Co-Executive Director Claire Walker said: “Businesses across the country will be relieved to hear that they will be able reopen or restart their operations on May 17. The last few months have seen many firms either severely restricted in their activities or unable to trade at all. This announcement will come as a huge boost to them.
“Questions still remain over what kind of restrictions businesses will be expected to operate under in the medium to long-term, and Government must move to answer these as soon as possible. In addition, Government must continue to do everything it can to support businesses in the transition back to full trading, giving them every chance to recover and thrive in a post-pandemic world.”