Like so many businesses our hospitality trade has suffered dramatically throughout the pandemic. Just when we thought things had turned a corner, and the Government introduced the ‘Eat Out’ scheme, a second wave hit and the doors were shut once again.

Here in Wales now hospitality venues can no longer serve alcohol and must close by 6pm. Venues are also required to put a number of measures in place to minimise the risk of exposure to coronavirus. For example:

• in most places you will probably be required to pre-book with details of all members of the group
• entry to the premises will be controlled
• licensed premises, such as pubs, will be providing table service only
• all food and drink should be consumed at tables
• physical distancing measures will be applied, such as tables being spaced out
• limit to groups of up to four people (not including any children aged under 11) unless they are from a single household
• face coverings must be worn other than when seated to eat or drink
• you will be asked to give contact details for purposes of tracing people in the event of an outbreak being linked to the venue, and
• live music should only take place if the venue can demonstrate that risks can be mitigated. Guidance covering rehearsing, performing and taking part in the performing arts has now been published.
• TV broadcasts should be kept at low volume

With a vaccine now being rolled out, there is a glimmer of light, but this will also take time. So what happens next for our much loved pubs?

Around 40,000 pubs and bars throughout the UK have closed their doors as part of the measures announced to contain the spread of Covid-19. The industry is facing even more uncertainty, and some establishments risk permanent closure. So help is needed to encourage us back into our pubs, when we’re allowed and find a way to get the industry back on track.

A new £1 million campaign has been launched which could help breathe life back into our favourite locals. The SAVE PUB LIFE scheme encourages us to buy a gift card to spend at our local pub at a future date. All funds will go directly to pubs and bars now, generating much needed financial support during the period.

The scheme is open to all pubs in England, Wales and Scotland and members of the public can purchase a gift card for participating venues from today HERE. The Budweiser Brewing Group – part of the AB InBev brewing group – will match the value of the gift card up to a combined total of £1 million. The hope is this financial support will go straight into Britain’s pubs, providing them with vital funds when they need it most.

We spoke to Peter Harrison from the Budweiser Brewing Group who explains how the scheme will work.

The matched funding from the Budweiser Brewing Group will go directly to businesses within two weeks, when they need it most. And for those venues that are not yet signed up, the website will also have an option allowing people to email their favourite pub suggesting they join.

You can purchase gift cards and pubs can sign up here SAVE PUB LIFE