The decision to CLOSE Bolton’s hospitality industry has only served to encourage Bolton residents into neighbouring towns. This makes no sense! If the idea was to stop residents from socialising and spreading the virus it’s failed! All that is happening is residents are socialising in towns whose pubs and restaurants are NOT closed, thereby potentially spreading the virus further afield, and ruining local businesses!

Lives AND livelihoods matter! Restaurants particularly can control social distancing easily, especially with the advent of table service only. Too many landlords and restaurateurs in Bolton are facing bankruptcy, whilst those in Bury, Darwen, Preston, Wigan are profiting at their expense. Time to wake up Bolton Council and smell the coffee. Served at the appropriate distance under COVID  secure conditions!!