Pubs which receive most of their income from drink sales can now apply for a new Covid-19 support grant.

Under the current Tier 2 restrictions pubs can only open if they serve substantial meals meaning many pubs miss out on income.

To help support businesses, the government is providing funding which is being administered locally by South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils.

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The Christmas Support Payment for Wet-Led Pubs is a new one-off grant which provides £1,000 to pubs which receive less than 50 per cent of their income from food sales, including those which serve substantial meals and are currently open.

Applications for this grant close on 31 January 2021.

Pubs which do not serve substantial meals and are therefore required to close temporarily can also apply for a Local Restrictions Support Grant which provides up to £1,500 every 14 days. This grant is only available while restrictions remain in place.

Councillor Leigh Rawlins, said: “We know the restrictions are placing a significant financial pressure on many pubs, especially at this time of year which would normally be their busiest period.”