In what is believed to be a sector first, today sees the national launch of a 50-page report covering the COVID-19 related legislative changes which affected the hospitality sector, from the start of restrictions to Step 4 of the Roadmap and the full re-opening of hospitality in July 2021.

Authored by Andy Grimsey, partner at licensing solicitors Poppleston Allen and leading licensing barrister Gary Grant, of Francis Taylor Building, the report picks apart the key dates from the last eighteen months as well as the government’s decisions and ramifications for the industry.

Commenting, Lisa Sharkey, managing partner at Poppleston Allen, said: “With the last 18 months disrupting or destroying so many of our great hospitality businesses, we felt it would be useful to detail exactly what happened in terms of legislation and how this impacted hospitality, and in particular pubs, bars, restaurants and nightclubs, in England.

Lisa continued: “Andy and Gary painstakingly researched the key dates for the report, which we are expecting to be extremely useful as a reminder for operators looking at how their business was impacted and when.”

The report, which might form a key part in board reports and shareholder communications as the industry dusts itself down and re-builds, is available free of charge.