HOSPITALITY bosses are calling for "someone to fight for them" as the industry faces another crippling lockdown.

New coronavirus rules have banned pubs and restaurants selling alcohol for takeaway – a restriction that the government tried to implement during national lockdown in November before u-turning on the decision two days later.

Gareth Mason, a local chef, thinks the new change shows just how much a representative is needed.

He said: "I don't quite understand it – this time around the rules seem to have been adjusted but I just don't know why, it's quite confusing. I don't know what they're trying to achieve.

"You can buy excessive amounts of alcohol for cheaper at the supermarket and the hospitality industry as a whole has just been bullied, it's taken the biggest chunk of the punishment.

"We don't seem to have any one who represents the hospitality trade – there's no one who defends the industry.

"It's a big contributor to the economy and we need someone to stand up for it.

"Last year we were bullied the whole year with everything portrayed as the hospitality industry's fault and that was just ridiculous.

"I saw the boxing day sales and everyone queueing up at the Trafford Centre and that shouldn't be allowed. You can queue up in your hundreds to get a good deal but can't go to a restaurant?

"I just feel like it's a bit disappointing. There's so many businesses that are struggling and then this stuff isn't helping. We're just really up against the odds."

The latest support package announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak will allow large retail, hospitality, and leisure sites to claim a one-off grant of up to £9,000.

Small sites will be able to claim up to £4,000, and medium-sized ones £6,000.

Alongside the new restrictions, many officials feel the support is not enough.

Nik Antona, the chairman for the Campaign for Real Ale, said: “The national lockdown is yet another devastating blow for an already struggling industry, which follows hot on the heels of nearly a year of restrictions, curfews and forced closures.

“What is particularly concerning in the latest announcement has been the confusion around whether pubs will be able to operate on a level playing field with supermarkets and off-licences during this lockdown – as they have been able to previously.

“Takeaway sales, in sealed containers, for people to take home, were a real lifeline for the trade in previous lockdowns and restricting that route to market now would be a death knell for many pubs.

“This will once again provide an unfair advantage to supermarkets and off-licences that don’t face similar restrictions.”

Pubs will still be able to offer alcoholic beverages through delivery – allowing most firms across Bolton to continue trading through lockdown.