So Many Wonderful Little Businesses Going Under

[derek-33]

i really feel for all the bars and cafes this year as xmas is their main money making time and in tier 3 there shut even in tier 2 the pubs and bars can only serve with a meal, so many are closing for good;
and the problem is if some are going into 2 from 3 then they will have to rush to get all the products for the restaurants and cafes to do xmas lunches etc same for the bars hoping to order in beers etc as you cant store it for months, last lock down millions of gallons were disposed of.
what a mess of a year for all little businesses who's owners have been the backbone of our towns and villagers, maybe next year too,

[woofgang]

What else could be done though?

[iluvmargie]

I feel sad about it all too and just because I am financially stable doesn't mean I don't care about those who are struggling, like the ones you mention derek. It's utterly heart breaking. I know of a great little country pub which has had to close permanently and I saw a picture of the owner, he was crying. I cried as well. Wish I knew the answer.

[dave50]

Its disgusting how they are forcing pubs out of business on a whim with no proof that they are responsible for the spread of the infection.

[iluvmargie]

I tend to agree dave.

[rowanwitch]

A lot are flourishing too, locally in a relatively poor area, two new greengrocers, also selling plants, a deli, and a couple of budget shops. Like Poundland but most stuff under a fiver, people choosing to shop locally rather than use public transport. so older customers and single parents, enliven our local post office general store are happy to admit covid was a lifeline as they had been struggling

[tamborine]

Most do takeaways. Would be nice to have roast turkey & trims delivered. Will check my pub.

[emmie]

many pubs were shutting long before covid came along.

[emmie]

due to high costs of rent, rates, and that they are tied into management style breweries.

[emmie]

where my brother lives on the south coast many closed long ago. long before covid was even thought of. Many reasons for this, one the smoking ban which didn;t help but there are many factors to consider, its sad but a fact of life

[tamborine]

4 pubs near me do takeways. Suits me as I dont like frequenting pubs alone

[emmie]

country pubs may have had their day, an older population, those who can;t walk far to their so called local. Many people don;t use pubs as much anymore.

[emmie]

i am sad that some of our well known ones have gone, but pubs like wetherspoons do well because they can and do keep their costs down

[tamborine]

Em xmas meal in a pub could easily cost £50+pp & eaten in 2hrs max. Yet you moan at hairdressing charge that lasts you 6weeks! Wheres your sense of propotion?

[emmie]

i don't eat out much, not certainly at this time of the year. My hairdressing bill went through the roof, to cover all the months they were in lockdown.

[tamborine]

I think uou said it increased by £8 emmie from £30. for SIX weeks wear!

[emmie]

I have only been to family other Christmas times, and had dinner at theirs, what they cost here in London is anyone;s guess.

[emmie]

i get my hair cut after 6 weeks which costs another 36 quid in the meantime,

[emmie]

it increased from 60 to 68 within a few months. I have a cut and perm which does last a while to be fair. I don't go every week as there is no need.

[tamborine]

£1.50 extra per week - good job you aint my client

[emmie]

me too. anyway pubs are closing at a rate of knots that was the post.