Archive, December 2020: This COVID-19 support scheme has closed. See High Peak Borough Council for current grant information.

In December 2020, High Peak Borough Council announced applications for a one-off £1,000 Christmas Support Payment for eligible wet-led pubs affected by restrictions in tiers 2 and 3.

The council’s announcement said eligible pubs had to be liable for business rates and derive less than 50% of income from food sales. Under normal circumstances they also had to be open to the public, allow free entry apart from occasional entertainment, allow drinking without requiring food and permit drinks to be bought at the bar.

Council leader Anthony McKeown said in the 2020 announcement: “The restrictions have been particularly difficult for pub businesses – especially those that don’t serve food – and they will feel the impact even more during the festive season when they can generally rely on bustling trade.”

“That’s why these grant payments are so important. To meet requirements pubs have to apply for this grant separately and the application process for High Peak pubs to apply for this help is now available. I encourage those businesses that meet the criteria to complete the online form on our website at their earliest convenience.”

The council originally gave 31 January 2021 as the deadline. The government later extended the scheme; applications closed on 28 February 2021.