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21

Dec 2020

Last Updated: 21/12/2020

Harrogate pub landlord calls £1,000 grant process an 'absolute farce'

by Thomas Barrett

| 21 Dec, 2020
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On December 1 prime minister Boris Johnson announced a £1,000 grant for "wet-led" pubs that do not serve substantial meals and have closed due to lockdown restrictions. But almost three weeks later, pubs in Harrogate are still waiting for news about the grant.

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A pub landlord in Harrogate says the council should speed up paying a £1,000 grant to pubs that don't serve food, calling the application process an "absolute farce".

On December 1 prime minister Boris Johnson announced a £1,000 grant for "wet-led" pubs that do not serve substantial meals and have closed due to lockdown restrictions.

But almost three weeks later, pubs in Harrogate are still waiting for Harrogate Borough Council to accept applications for the fund.

Marik Scatchard, landlord of Christies Bar on King's Road, told the Stray Ferret that despite being a relatively small amount the grant is "really needed at the moment".

According to HBC's website, applications for the grant will open "by the end of this month", which Mr Scatchard says is not good enough:

“It’s an absolute farce that HBC is treating businesses like this, even with the grant being so little it’s still needed. Other councils have paid out or are paying out."


Jack Woodruff runs the Disappearing Chin on Beulah Street with his wife Hannah. He said the council "really needs to speed up" the payment.

"We'll be OK for a bit longer but there will be businesses that are desperate for the grant."





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After being forced to close for over a month, Christies Bar is now open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and is selling pie and peas as a substantial meal. The Disappearing Chin has decided to remain closed until restrictions are eased.

A spokesperson for Harrogate Borough Council said:

"We anticipate applications will open before the end of December. We know that this is a difficult time for many businesses in the district and we are working hard to pay grants to eligible businesses as soon as possible."