PLease find below important information from the council concerning latest covid tier status:
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Dear Colleague,
I very much welcome the news that Bristol’s efforts to drive down infection rates in the city have been recognised with the government confirming the city will move from Tier 3: Very High alert to Tier 2: High alert from 00.01 on Saturday 19 December.
The new Tier 2 restrictions include:
Pubs and bars must close unless operating as restaurants
Alcohol can only be served as part of a substantial meal
Hospitality and indoor entertainment venues will close at 11pm
Do not meet socially indoors with anybody you do not live with, or who is not in your support bubble. This includes inside pubs and restaurants.
The rule of six will apply outdoors
I know that this easing of restrictions will be particularly helpful to many in the hospitality industry allowing you to reopen your doors during your busiest time of the year.
Your efforts and sacrifices have helped reduce cases in our city resulting in our move to Tier 2. While I know it has been difficult, our actions have saved lives. However, I would urge caution over the coming weeks to prevent another rise of infections in the new year.
A move back to Tier 3 would be devastating for the hospitality sector, businesses currently excluded by Government grants, and people self-employed or on lower incomes. So, please, follow the guidelines for Tier 2.
The next tier review will take place on Wednesday 30 December, with any changes coming into effect in early January.
Full information on the Tier 2 guidance can be found on the Government website.
More good news is that Additional Restriction Grant will now apply to some businesses, like taxi companies, who weren’t eligible before.
Moving forward, we will be continuing to lobby in favour of businesses excluded from funding via Excluded UK and forcibly making the point that hospitality still needs more support.
Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol
Bristol moves to Tier 2: High Alert
Following the government’s tier review, Bristol will move into Tier 2 at 00:01 on Saturday 19 December.
The new restrictions mean people are prohibited from socialising with anybody not in their household or support bubble in any indoor setting, and are advised to reduce the amount of travel they make.
Residents can still see friends and family they do not live with (or have not formed a support bubble with) but they must follow the rule of six and stay at least two metres apart.
Pubs and bars must close, unless operating as restaurants and hospitality venues can only serve alcohol with substantial meals. Venues must close at 11pm, with last orders at 10pm. Nightclubs must remain closed by law.
Visitor attractions and entertainment businesses may reopen, as can accommodation such as hotels, holiday lets and guesthouses.
Read about which businesses can remain open for Tier 2 on the gov.uk website
People can continue to travel to venues or amenities which are open, but should aim to reduce the number of journeys they make where possible.
If residents live in a Tier 2 area, they must continue to follow Tier 2 rules when they travel to a Tier 1 area. Travel to or overnight stays in Tier 3 areas other than where necessary should be avoided.
COVID-19 business grants
Bristol City Council is working hard to make sure all our businesses get the financial support they are entitled to during this difficult time.
If your business was closed during lockdown, or if you were closed due to Tier 3 restrictions, you will almost certainly be eligible for a grant. Businesses that are legally allowed to open but experiencing decreased demand may also be eligible for a grant.
Support for businesses forced to close
Business rate payers legally required to close between 5 November and 2 December can still apply for the Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed) Addendum.
If your business was still required to close due to Tier 3 restrictions from 3 December, you will also be eligible for an additional grant called the Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed).
If you received the Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed) Addendum you will automatically receive a Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed) and businesses only need to apply once. If you think you are eligible please apply today.
Support for businesses legally allowed to open
Businesses that were legally allowed to open under Tier 3 restrictions, but experienced decreased demand may be eligible for the Local Restrictions Support Grant (Open) or the Additional Restrictions Grant. Our team is working hard to get this grant application process live, and we will update you as soon as the application process is ready.
Support for pubs
The Government has announced a £1,000 grant for wet-led pubs that derived most of their income from drinks rather than food prior to the pandemic. You will still be entitled to this if you have repurposed and are now selling substantial meals. This grant is a one-off payment, and businesses can apply for the grant in addition to other financial support such as the Local Restrictions Support Grant. We will update you when the application process is live.
Visit our website for more grants information
Business QR codes
If you run a leisure and tourism service, hospitality venue or close contact service, it is a legal requirement for you to display a QR code that customers scan using the NHS COVID-19 app.
Create a business COVID-19 QR code
Help and support
• Visit Bristol City Council’s dedicated COVID-19 webpages
• Discover more support and advice for businesses
• View a full outline of restrictions in the Tier 2: High alert level
• Make your workplace COVID-secure
How can we help you?
We will do all we can to address the needs or concerns of businesses across Bristol. If you have any queries or if there is anything that you think we can do to better to help people and businesses, please contact us at: business@bristol.gov.uk
Quick updates
• The West of England Combined Authority (WECA) website contains lots of helpful information on the region’s economic response to Covid-19 and how businesses can access support. Visit the WECA website to find out more about business support
• WECA has also set out plans to transform rail travel in the region over the next ten years. The plan, which includes major works at Temple Meads, will provide new rail routes, step-free access at stations and more frequent ‘turn up and go’ services. For rail travel transformation details visit the WECA website
• The latest episode in UWE Bristol’s Talking Talent podcast series aims to support businesses to understand the impact of COVID-19 on recruitment. Listen to Talking Talent’s latest podcast now and discover how to make the most of current opportunities to engage students virtually.
• Bristol Old Vic presents Angels in Bristol, a series of short stories performed by communities and schools from across the city which will be shared digitally from 20 to 28 December. Register to receive the nine miraculous short stories before 5pm Friday 18 December.
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