Hastings businesses work hard to be COVID-secure

Over the last few weeks, businesses across Hastings have worked tirelessly to ensure their premises and processes are all COVID-secure.

There are many guidelines for them to follow to ensure the wellbeing of both customers and employees, and Hastings residents are encouraged to respect new rules in order to help local firms recover safely from a difficult few months.

Cllr Kim Forward, leader of the council, said,

"So far, Hastings residents have done incredibly well to support each other, follow the guidelines, and stay safe.

"We know how hard Hastings businesses have worked to get these COVID-secure guidelines in place, which is why we are encouraging people to support their local shops and buy local.

"It's been a tough few months for businesses, with them having to close for long periods of time, and with COVID restrictions now limiting shops and restaurants in a variety of ways, it's all the more important to give them our support.

"It is important for everyone to remember to respect the guidelines put in place as they are there for a reason. Some of these new measures have come at great cost to businesses, so the least we can all do is respect these guidelines when we are out eating or shopping in the town.

"It is now compulsory to wear face coverings in enclosed public spaces such as shops and supermarkets, and we must still remember to keep social distancing where possible. It's important for us to support our local economy to ensure Hastings can recover and thrive. Buy local, eat local and respect the guidelines."

John Bownas, manager of Love Hastings BID, said,

"It's been encouraging to see the national statistics showing how retail spending seems to be bouncing back to pre-COVID levels. This points to the fact that many shoppers already see their local shops as being safe to visit.

"We've been out and seen plenty of pubs and cafes with full tables, and we've spoken with shops who say their trade really is pretty much back to normal.

"However, there's still a long way to go - so as well as visiting your local shops whenever you can why not also take advantage of the government-funded 'eat out to help out' scheme? There are already 95 cafes and restaurants taking part in and around Hastings where you can get a 50% discount on your food bill between Monday and Wednesday throughout August - with the Government paying the other half.

"Look out for stickers to find a participating restaurant or look them up here: https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/eat-out-to-help-out/find-a-restaurant/"