Hospitality bosses in Stamford prepare to 'battle' through tier 3
From tomorrow, the town will be placed under the strictest rules.
On 2nd December, Stamford will come out of lockdown and into tier 3 restrictions, despite having lower rates compared to surrounding areas.
The new rules mean all hospitality, including pubs and restaurants, must stay closed.
Many business owners have said it's frustrating that Stamford has been placed under the 'very high alert', along with the rest of Lincolnshire.
Stephen Alcock, the owner of the Kings Head in Stamford said:
"Compared to our historical weekly take, you're talking 10 to 15 %.
Before this new lockdown came in, we were doing about 50%.
It's just the constant changing of goal posts, it makes you hesitant to change your approach."
He said:
"People can't come into the town to shop, because everywhere around us is in tier 2.
We are sort of stuck in our own little bubble.
It just feels like people are making decisions on the hospitality trade, and they've not consulted anyone with the knowledge of being behind the bar and running these places."
Meanwhile, Rutland will enter tier 2 tomorrow (2nd December).
It means pubs and restaurants can stay open, but must close by 11pm, and you can only visit with your household.
Alcohol can only be served, if you buy a meal.
Christian Watkin, the business owner at the Sun Inn in Oakham said:
"My fear is that people are just not going to come out, I'm not fussed about the fact we have to offer a substantial meal.
"It's more the fact that people can't socialise in the pub anymore.
"When you combine that with the fact that family bubbles are allowed to get together over Christmas, pretty much anywhere, except for hospitality venues, it's going to be a really touch December.
"I find it absolutely ludicrous, it makes it very difficult for us financially.
"The idea you can allow up to 15, 20 people from 3 different households to mix, in a completely unregulated, non-secure way, is to me, just bonkers."