Chesterfield businessman Steve Perez joins London demonstration to raise awareness of hospitality industry's plight

The demonstration – which was made up of around 200 people adhering to social distancing rules and wearing face masks – took place at Parliament Square on Monday.

MORE: Chesterfield roofing firm carrying out free small repairs over Christmas to help people and charity

It comes after hospitality operators reacted with anger and dismay at the Government’s new tier system, which came into force in England last week.

Under Tier 3 restrictions, pubs and restaurants must shut and can only sell goods for takeaway.

Chesterfield, which is under Tier 3, has seen coronavirus infection rates fall recently.

Meanwhile, pubs and restaurants in Tier 2 areas – including London – are allowed to open as long as they serve food.

Under all tiers, businesses including non-essential shops, hairdressers and gyms can open.

Mr Perez, who owns Casa Hotel, Peak Edge Hotel and Global Brands, said his businesses have been ‘devastated’ over the last nine months.

“We think we’ve been treated absolutely appallingly by this Government,” he said.

“Hospitality venues are some of the safest places to be – we cannot be made a scapegoat.

“The hospitality sector made some noise at the demonstration – and hopefully we will be heard.”

He said the Government needed to give the industry ‘proper financial support’.

Mr Perez previously told the Derbyshire Times he had seen studies which said less than four per cent of coronavirus infections came from the hospitality sector.

He added: “The industry has spent a huge amount of money to ensure their venues are Covid-secure.”

UK Hospitality boss Kate Nicholls said the sector was ‘bearing the brunt of the pain of closure’ under the new restrictions.

She added that tens of thousands of businesses would close without more support.

Appearing on Question Time on the BBC last week, Conservative MP Michelle Donelan said the Government was supporting the hospitality industry.

She said: “Pubs have gone above and beyond to try and get Covid-secure and the impact on the hospitality sector has been awful.

“A pub that has to close at the moment gets £3,000, they got up to £25,000 in the first tranche and there’s also the furlough scheme available.”

MORE: Convicted killer among three criminals who have escaped from Derbyshire’s open prison

Editor’s message

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription at www.thestar.co.uk/subscriptions or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.