In another blow for Ruddington’s hospitality venues, The Government has decided the whole of Nottinghamshire will retain Tier 3 ‘very high alert’ status throughout December.
Despite the fact that data sources such as the Zoe COVID App are indicating Coronavirus numbers have been falling steadily in Rushcliffe, the strictest COVID-19 rules will remain in place here when the next rule change happens this weekend. It’s blamed on continuing high rates of infection countywide, with their trajectory and pressures on the local health and social care system being cited as the factors considered in reaching today’s decision (Thursday December 17th).
Staying in Tier 3 means that all of Ruddington’s pubs, cafes and restaurants will either have to continue operating as takeaways only, offer a delivery service or stay closed. This will remain the case between December 23rd and 27th* since the five day festive ‘easing’ of restrictions really only means you can form an exclusive ‘Christmas bubble’ and a lessening of travel restrictions. (Find out the full rules >>HERE<<). Businesses in England will still be subject to the Tier rules for their respective areas.
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Deputy Leader Cllr Andy Edyvean says: “Businesses are continuing to adapt brilliantly with festive takeaway offers, and we praise the ways in which so many owners are still able to offer wonderful food and drink through safe delivery and collection. We’re aware many businesses cannot trade in the current climate so we’re continuing to distribute vital grants to all who are eligible as soon as we can.” He adds: “We thank business owners and staff across Rushcliffe for continuing to play their part in driving down COVID-19 cases this Christmas.”
There’s a glimmer of hope for our village’s New Year celebrations – since the next review date has been announced as Wednesday December 30th. But, even in Tier 2, hospitality venues wouldn’t be able to serve alcohol for consumption on the premises unless with a substantial meal. Therefore ‘wet’ pubs (which are almost exclusively ‘drinking’ establishments) like the Victoria Tavern could still not reopen.
Landlady Lindsey Flint says: “Tier 3 obviously dictates that our doors remain closed for the time being. Unfortunately it does mean that we will not reunite in 2020, however if we can all abide by the rules hopefully it won’t be too long until we meet again.” Red Lion Licensee, Gareth McManus, adds: “Tier 3 means we can’t open the doors until we are moved down the tier ladder. Any bookings will sadly not be honoured and we will look forward to seeing you wonderful people in the new year.”
Also staying completely shut for now is The Old Bakehouse Tearoom – with owner Lesley Wells deciding that trading wasn’t viable even under the original, less stringent Tier 3 restrictions. However despite being closed, she’s still gone to the trouble of decorating her windows for Christmas – joining forces with The Framework Knitters’ Museum for a special, festive display.
Lesley says: “Hopefully this time will be the last time and the virus will soon be under control. Keep safe, everyone, and I’ll see you as soon as I can re-open!”
Whilst these Ruddington hospitality businesses will be relying on payments from the government’s extended Furlough scheme along with other local authority emergency grants to (hopefully) see them through to brighter times, many are still opening for takeaway food and drink. These include The Ruddington Arms, The Frame Breakers, The White Horse, Philo’s Deli and Gino’s Ristorante.
It’s hoped villagers will continue to support our hard pressed hospitality venues through these most challenging of times and spread the word to others about the numerous takeaway and delivery options still available through Christmas and beyond.
Meantime, as reported previously, most our village shops have now reopened as permitted, with all the expected COVID-safe measures in place to catch the remaining pre-Christmas trade. There’s also one more festive ‘Late Night Shopping’ opportunity this Friday (December 18th). You can find details about this and other Ruddington events over Christmas >>HERE<<.
Whatever happens at the next ‘Tier Review’, celebrations to see in 2021 are likely to be a very subdued affair following on from our unprecedented ‘COVID Christmas’. With the vaccine rollout now underway, fingers are crossed next year has much better things in store for both Ruddington’s residents and businesses.
*UPDATE 19th DECEMBER
A new government announcement today has reduced this Christmas ‘relaxation’ of Coronavirus restrictions to just one day – on December 25th only.
Despite the introduction of a Tier 4 (effectively another ‘lockdown’) in some South Eastern areas of England, along with the rest of Nottinghamshire, Ruddington will remain in Tier 3 during this time – now the next-to-the-highest level of COVID-19 safety rules, which will remain the same as before.
