Sunderland Restaurant Week under review as organisers looking at ways to continue amid coronavirus measures

The hospitality industry has been left concerned by the Prime Minister’s statement on Monday, March 17 which told the public to avoid pubs, restaurants and theatres – but didn’t order venues to close – as stricter guidelines were imposed to help stop the spread of the virus.

Some in the industry have voiced fears over the use of advice rather than mandatory closure, which could have allowed them to claim on insurance policies.

Businesses have had to decide whether to remain open and protect their livelihoods or to close temporarily, facing huge losses.

Boris Johnson’s approach has been condemned as "staggeringly reckless" by food critic Jay Rayner and pressure is ramping up on the Government to help the hospitality industry as it faces a "dire" situation during the pandemic.

The Prime Minister’s advice coincides with Sunderland Restaurant Week which is due to return this week, from March 21-29.

Organised by Sunderland Bid, it’s aimed at driving footfall to restaurants in Sunderland and the surrounding area and in previous years has resulted in a £280,000 boost to the local economy.

In light of the most recent update, Sunderland Bid’s head of business operations Sharon Appleby, says, as it stands, Restaurant Week will go ahead, but they are looking at ways it can be delivered.

She said: "We are obviously very mindful of the current situation and are constantly monitoring the Government advice and updates. We are currently working with the restaurants who are taking part to see if there are some more creative ways we can support them and still get Restaurant Week to consumers.

"We know it is very important that people are not put at risk and are working to see what we can do to help our local businesses."

Many Sunderland cafes and restaurants remain open following the Prime Minister’s address, but have stepped up cleaning efforts and spaced tables out to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. Most are also offering take out options.