NEW Covid regulations have left pub and restaurant bosses worried about surviving the harsh winter months.

Yesterday the Government announced Essex would be placed in Tier 2 after lockdown.

Under these rules, no household mixing will be allowed indoors and the rule of six will apply in outdoor spaces, while pubs and restaurants must shut at 11pm and alcohol can only be served alongside a substantial meal.

Gabrielle Rydings, secretary of Leigh Brewery, which has a tap room which only serves drinks, said: “It will definitely impact our business and we will struggle to open our tap room.

“We’ve had to be creative and are delivering our beer to customers and selling takeaway beer too as an off licence.

“We are still working through it all and find our way around it all and exploring our different options.

“We are hoping to survive this but there’s no doubt the pandemic has had a dramatic impact on the pub industry.

“We are in difficult territory and beer is a live product so it has a time limit and people are worried about that.”

Fellow micro pub owner Mark Mawson, from George’s Brewery and Mawson’s Micropub, in Southchurch Road, Southend, called for MPs to oppose the new restrictions in a vote next week.

Mr Mawson, who does not serve food, said: “I cannot fathom how we can come out of a lockdown during which no pubs were allowed to be open and to effectively take the blame for a rise in infection rates.

“If the infection rates have risen surely it is clearly proven that pubs were not at all involved in any way whatsoever by virtue of the fact they were shut.

“There is not a shred of evidence that I have seen that our industry - public houses and hospitality - is in any way to blame for the rises.

“I do see however that infection rates are going sky high in schools and universities but I see zero measures being taken to combat what is undoubtedly the reason for the increases in cases.”

Garry Lowen, of Gleneagles Guest House, said he considered shutting but is determined to keep going.

He said: “We did wonder if it’s worth staying open but we will do and have our terrace for groups to dine.

“We are hoping for dry days and if it’s cold we’ll bring out the hot water bottles and blankets for our customers.

“We’ve already seen some cancellations but we’ve got to give it a go. We are worried about winter and there’s nothing to bring people out such as parties or theatre shows.

“We’ve got to be pragmatic and make the most of any opportunities that come our way.”

He said the Government could have done more in terms of support for businesses.

He said grants will not cover bills and outgoings.

Business experts also raised concern too. David Burch, Director of Policy at Essex Chambers of Commerce, said: “We are naturally disappointed for businesses in Essex that the Government has placed the county in Tier 2. Ever since the start of the pandemic businesses have complied with Government regulations and done all they can to protect their customers, staff and residents in Essex

“The continuing restrictions on the hospitality sector are particularly disappointing as many pubs are at the heart of their town centres and local communities.”

In the coming weeks as we approach Christmas we would encourage people to think about supporting their local retailers and other businesses first.”