With East Hants CAMRA branch entering Tier 2 from 2nd December the re-opening of pubs depends upon stringent conditions requiring a "substantial meal" to be ordered if alcohol is to be consumed. No scientific evidence has been provided to justify this and the £1,000 grant to wet-led pubs forced to close (or just continue with a takeaway service) has been rightly dismissed as risible by both the industry and a significant proportion of MP's across all political parties. It is notable that the new Tier 1-3 measures were voted through by just 292 votes a minority of Members. It is to be hoped that some degree of common sense will prevail by the time of the 16th December review of the measures.

Looking on the bright side there are over 30 East Hants pubs opening now or planning to open shortly including two previously wet pubs in Market Square, Alton which are introducing a food service, the Market Hotel and the Ten Tun Tap House.

Details including continuing takeaway or delivery provision will be found on premises' websites or social media pages and links to these can be found at https://whatpub.com/ which is in the process of being updated for known provision. There is an opportunity to use a feedback form to advise the branch of the need for updates and corrections and please take advantage of this for anything that appears to need changing for individual pubs.

From EHDC - 12 November...

Businesses forced to close under national coronavirus restrictions should claim a grant now!

Businesses that have been forced to close as part of the current national restrictions to slow the spread of coronavirus can now claim a grant through East Hampshire District Council.

Eligible businesses must have been open as usual, providing in-person services to customers from their business premises. Businesses that would have closed but have chosen to change their business to provide takeaway, click and collect or online with delivery services will still be eligible for the grant.

Depending on the rateable value of the property that has closed, grants will range from £1,334 to £3,000.

Businesses and venues that may qualify for these grants include:
Non-essential retail
Hospitality venues such as cafes, restaurants, pubs, bars and social clubs
Accommodation such as hotels, hostels, guest houses and campsites
Leisure and sports facilities
Entertainment venues
Personal care facilities such as hair, beauty, tanning and nail salons

The money has been provided through the Local Restrictions Support Grant fund.

Other eligibility criteria apply. When you complete the form, you will need to have your Business Rates bill and bank details to hand.

Councillor Richard Millard, Leader of East Hampshire District Council, said:
“The return of national restrictions will be another blow for businesses around the district that had started to recover from the first lockdown.
“These grants will serve as a lifeline for businesses that have been forced to close.
“It’s important for businesses that have found other ways to operate during the restrictions to be aware that they could still be entitled to these grants.”

For more information and to apply, visit: https://www.easthants.gov.uk/local-restrictions-support-grant

On Thursday, 17th September a nomination for Asset of Community Value for the George, in Butts Road, Alton was submitted to East Hants DC by Tony Davis, East Hants CAMRA Pubs Officer and acknowledged.
Our thanks to all those who added their signatures or otherwise expressed support for this nomination.
It is gratifying that all those who signed were from within Alton electoral wards, the furthest out being Holybourne, demonstrating a truly local level of support. EHDC will be contacting the owners of the George and Alton Town Council and further updates will be posted when available.