Luton's MPs support town's pubs call to end 10pm curfew

Luton's MPs are supporting the town's pubs call to end the Government's 10pm curfew.

At least 15 venues across Luton released an open letter yesterday (Monday) to the local MPs and Luton Borough Council asking for support and assistance to #CancelTheCurfew.

Led by The Castle Tavern, the letter is also signed by the likes of Little Red Arts, O'Shea's, Flame, George II, The Globe, The Well, The Crown and more.

The letter called for scientific evidence that the 10pm curfew is helping to stop the spread, and for the town's local MPs to challenge the Government on their decision to introduce this curfew.

Rachel Hopkins, the MP for Luton South, and Sarah Owen MP for Luton North, have both shared their support for the pubs.

In the letter it says: "Our customers have taken their time to become familiar with the rules, and guidance, and have largely followed everything with the best intentions and with great support for us and our staff.

"It's because of this Luton has not had any temporary closures due to COVID outbreaks.

"However, we may be about to see some permanent closures because of the curfew.

"This restriction on us is highly dangerous and is moving towards a total wipeout of venues, and culture, within our town.

"We are venues hosting live music, DJs, and other events which all celebrate the town's diversity, and contribute to Luton's entertainment.

"Luton's cultural history and legacy has, for decades, been celebrated in this town - our home.

"Our pubs, clubs and venues are a huge part of that legacy, and continue to contribute to it. Without any support, or any change, we can no longer do this."

To read the letter in full visit: www.facebook.com/Thecastlelive.

MP for Luton South Rachel Hopkins said: “Public health restrictions have been essential to suppressing coronavirus and protecting people, but choosing to make people leave COVID-secure pubs and venues at 10 pm won’t prevent the spread of the virus.

"Instead, congregations of people outside pubs or local shops, on public transport, will in fact create scenarios that the virus can exploit.

"The government’s arbitrary decisions and ill-thought-through policy demonstrates their failure to plan for a potential second-spike, and will just lead to businesses failing and jobs being lost.

"Rather than confronting the economic and social impact of coronavirus on pubs and venues, they are compounding the impact by imposing unsubstantiated barriers to their recovery.

"I completely support the #CanceltheCurfew campaign’s call for a review into the 10pm restriction that considers its medical, scientific and behavioural impact.

"Pubs and venues are essential to our town’s community, where many of us enjoy entertainment and socialising. Their future should not be endangered without scientific explanation and additional support.

"Alongside other Labour MPs, I have been calling for targeted economic support for sectors that disproportionately suffer from the impact of coronavirus.

"The government needs to act urgently to save more jobs and businesses.”

Sarah Owen MP for Luton North is also supporting the pubs and has called on the Government to review the curfew policy.

She said: "It’s quite obvious that having people spill out onto the streets and then into supermarkets and onto public transport all at the same time at 10pm won’t do much to stop the spread of a virus that thrives on close contact and large crowds.

"This is just another example of the government’s gimmicky, slap-dash approach to taking on this virus.

"What’s becoming ever clearer is that because the government didn’t have a proper plan in place to take on a second covid spike, they’ve had to respond in panic mode rather than properly looking at the evidence.”

“I really welcome input from local pubs and venues. They’ve been doing their bit to keep the economy going through this crisis.

"I’d be happy to meet with the group of pubs who wrote to me to discuss the impact of the government’s curfew policy and the impact of the pandemic on their business.”

She added: “I’m joining Labour colleagues in calling on the government to review the curfew policy.

"If they’re going to introduce measures which will dampen trade in hospitality, then the government also need to introduce proper, targeted support for the workers, pubs and businesses that need it.

"That’s what I’ve been calling for throughout this crisis. It’s just a shame that the government continues to ignore businesses in the way that they are.”