In a statement, the group has called for the council to extend the temporary street closures it has put in place, so businesses can make the most of the Chancellor’s Eat Out to Help Out discount scheme.
Whilst some streets were granted seven-day closures when the plans were introduced last month, the group says 'the gap between national and local government actions' has resulted in a national Government campaign operating Monday to Wednesday and some streets only able to offer al fresco dining between Wednesdays and Sundays.
As a result, many operators miss out on utilising the extra capacity on two of the three Eat Out to Help Out days.
With just eight more trading days left of the scheme, the Westminster & City Lib Dems have urged the council to “urgently” extend the road closures to give businesses the best chance of recovery.
“The vibe created by the road closures has lifted spirits and is giving our hospitality sector a much-needed boost,” the group said. “Now is the time to capitalise on the effectiveness of EOTHO and close all designated roads throughout Westminster on the remaining Mondays and Tuesdays in August.
“The clock is ticking on this great opportunity and every day of not closing streets represents a lost opportunity to our beleaguered hospitality sector.”
The Eat Out to Help Out scheme is aimed at protecting jobs in the hospitality industry and encouraging people to safely return to dining out.
Restaurants, bars, cafes and other establishments who use the scheme will offer a 50% reduction, up to a maximum of £10 per person, to all diners who eat and/or drink-in on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout August.
Yesterday it was reported that more than 10.5m were made under the scheme in its first week.
