Pubs, cafes and restaurants across the Medway Towns are bracing themselves for the long winter ahead as more support is rolled out.

Tougher restrictions were announced last night as the Prime Minister declared a third national lockdown to curb the soaring number of Covid-19 infections and hospitalisations.

But a lifeline was offered to the local hospitality industry by the Chancellor today after it was announced fresh financial support totalling £4.6 billion would be made available to help them survive.

The latest funding announced means pubs, cafes and restaurants forced to close can apply for grants of up to £9,000, dependent on rateable value.

John Brice chairman of Medway’s Licensed Victuallers’ Association said his publican members eagerly awaited such parachute payments but voiced concerns over the speed with which they would reach their coffers.

"The Chancellor has today announced financial grants so that has got to be welcome," said John.

"But it is going to be interesting to see actually what the details are and how quickly they are going to be paid.

"One of the issues my members all say is the speed they are being paid out because they need enough for them to cover their outgoings."

The landlord went onto explain many publicans would have ongoing commitments tied up in "masses of little contracts" covering everything from licensing and insurance to more nuanced requirements such as hand dryers and rodent control.

To avoid last orders this would need to be met head on, he added, alongside ongoing commitments to cover staff wages under the extension to the furlough scheme.

However, for embattled pubs across Kent and Medway, who have remained shut since the last lockdown, he says the "real anger" has been the latest decision to scrap takeaway pints.

The controversial move was criticised when it was last deployed – and later u-turned on – during the second lockdown in November.

Takeaway beer was credited as providing a "lifeline" for many struggling pubs during the first lockdown in March and April with many making ends meet on the back of sales.

"The real anger is pubs can now only deliver people their beer and people are not allowed to come and collect beer which has changed," said John.

Mr Brice, who owns both the Frog and Toad pub in Gillingham and the King George V pub in Brompton, claimed the move had yet again penalised pubs while strengthening the hands of supermarkets profiteering from the lockdown.

"It is really irritating," he continued, explaining people can walk to a supermarket and purchase beer but not at a pub.

The landlord also slammed what he perceived to be double standards in terms of health and safety and believes more checks should be carried out in supermarkets..

"In the last lockdown you had to go in, the person had on hand santiser, you had to wear a mask and sit at the table served by a waiter," he said.

Conversely, in supermarkets he said the attitude had become more "lax" and was frustrated to see people "bumping into each other" in aisles.

Mr Brice added members wanted to ensure their clientele were safe and supported restrictions where needed but asked that there be a "level playing field" for businesses.

He also feared repeat lockdowns would likely lead to long term cultural changes whereby more people would choose to spend their money and drink at home.

"The longer it goes on the more people's attitudes are changing," he warned.

But the pub landlord said there was still cause for optimism and believes things too will pick up when pubs are allowed to open once again.

"When pubs open I'm sure there will be a massive surge back. I think they will have a boom month or so.

"But when that is gone that is the telling time of what the damage will be to the industry."

Reacting to the news of the lockdown, Alan Jarrett, leader of Medway Council, said: "I know the last thing any of us wanted to face in the New Year was another lockdown; however, if this will help save just one life from being taken by this deadly virus it has to be worth it.

"The pandemic is relentless and we’ve all had to adapt to a new way of living over the past year. It’s also been a difficult couple of weeks for us all, with many spending the festive period away from loved ones for the first time.

"I appreciate you may be fatigued by the changing of restrictions, but it is so important that you continue to follow the guidelines.

"Infection rates in Medway are still very high and we know that the new Covid-19 variant spreads incredibly quickly.

"Whilst we have started the Covid vaccination programme, it will take a short time before we get enough people vaccinated to protect our community. Until that time, we must all act now to protect our family and friends."

Leader of the Medway Labour and Co-operative Group Vince Maple also backed the latest lockdown.

‘It is the right decision for the country to go into the third national lockdown," he said.

"Our numbers here in Medway have continued to be very high with tragically more than 450 local residents passing away – our thoughts with friends and families of all those who have lost a loved one."

With schools now closed Cllr Maple said it was essential that all pupils have access to good quality remote learning and that families without good internet connections are not worried about the costs of accessing learning.

He added: "We must also see those children who would normally receive free school meals receiving support during the national lockdown.

"My thanks to all those across Medway’s schools for their ongoing outstanding efforts, it is truly appreciated."

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