Businesses in Yorkshire fear impact of new Omicron variant

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  • Report by Katie Oscroft

Bosses of pubs, restaurants and hotels across Yorkshire are warning they are already receiving cancellations of bookings for Christmas parties and events amid fears about the Omicron variant.

Many hospitality businesses were hoping to welcome large numbers of customers at the busiest time of the year for them. But they fear Christmas cancellations could hit them at what should be their busiest time of year.

Stacey Sherwood-French, the Director of the Jöro restaurant in Sheffield, says the new guidance has created uncertainty for the hospitality sector as some customers are now nervous about going out.

The government says there's no need to change festive plans, after new rules were brought on making mask wearing.

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Christmas trading is vital for hospitality venues, many of whom rely on making enough money in the festive period to get them through the leaner months at the start of the new year. The loss of a second Christmas season in a row would be extremely damaging for many businesses.