Manager of The Black Bull In Otley says Rishi Sunak's support scheme for pubs “doesn’t even touch the sides”

The scheme, announced on Friday, October 9, means the Government will pay two-thirds of the wages of staff in pubs, restaurants and other businesses if they are forced to close under new coronavirus restrictions.

However, Mel Green, 41, of The Black Bull, said it is "doesn’t even touch the sides”.

Mr Green said: “No, it’s not enough, definitely not enough.

"I think there needs to be more financial support.

“£2,000 every four weeks isn’t going to cut it.

"Two-thirds of somebody’s wage isn’t going to cut it.

"You’ve got to remember that we’re in a trade where everyone’s on national minimum wage pretty much.

"They’re the ones that are losing out. A lot of them are living hand to mouth already and they’ve already had hours reduced.”

While Ms Green said the support for pubs forced to close was insufficient, she added that closing was preferable to staying open for some.

“It’s all well and good putting the restrictions in, table service, taking details at the door,” she said. “You double your staff level for half your customer base.

“I think most people would prefer to be shut. The way I’ve always thought of it is, if it costs me more to open the doors, I’ll shut them. It’s damage limitation.”