Fresh calls for a rethink of government support for businesses hit by Covid-related restrictions have been made as more parts of the South West join Bristol in Tier 3.
While Bristol’s status remained unchanged – having gone from Tier 2 to Tier 3 on Boxing Day – Bath and North East Somerset has moved into Tier 3, dealing a fresh blow to the area’s already-beleaguered hospitality and tourist industries. 
Like those in Bristol, bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants across Bath and North East Somerset can now only offer takeaway, delivery and click-and-collect services. Hotels and B&Bs must also close.
The Mayor of Bristol and the South West CBI called on the government to do more to help businesses as restrictions continue into the new year.
CBI South West director Deborah Fraser said she understood that the government had to act to protect public health but added: “Tightening restrictions across many areas provides a torrid end to an already tough year for many businesses.
“There is now a growing need to re-evaluate government support in January to ensure firms can survive through to the Spring and beyond.
“While the vaccine rollout and efforts to increase mass rapid testing offer hope going into 2021, it is clear challenges will continue well into next year.
“Steadfast support should continue to help struggling firms and lay the foundations for the economic recovery.”
Bristol now has an infection rate of 190 new cases per 100,000 people. In the past seven days, from those tested, there were 879 positive results in the city. This means that the city’s infection rate is still high and continues to rise.
Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees called for the hard work to slow the spread of the virus to continue but also expressed his continued concern for the lack of financial support for businesses affected by Tier 3 restrictions.
He said: “We are expanding our teams to help process business and self-isolation grants as quickly as we can, but this doesn’t help those who simply aren’t eligible.
“The government must do more to make financial support more inclusive; by not doing that it is storing up another public health crisis fuelled by poverty – one which will be with us for the long term unless the government takes bold and purposeful steps to prevent it.
“This must also include investment in a green recovery, investing in research and development of a lower carbon economy, for inclusive and sustainable growth.”
