THE OWNER of a Ryedale pub and restaurant has said he feels totally let down and dejected following today's announcment to move the region into Tier 3.

Richard Johns, who runs The Hovingham Arms in Hovingham, said they were fully  booked for New Year's Eve tomorrow (Thursday).

He said: "We operating on reduced numbers to be covid safe but had every table sold. I feel totally letdown and dejected by government.

"I completely understand the seriousness of the pandemic but they must have known days ago, the course of action they were going to take. The communication between government and business since the start of the pandemic has been appalling.

"Like others we have spent alot of money on needless stock for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day."

Richard said: "Going forward, if the industry does not receive any further support, the casualty rate will be horrendous. No business can keep on paying overheads with no income. Its extremely concerning to say the least. We traded throughout the last deep bank recession which in comparison is starting look like a walk in the park."

Tier 3 restrictions mean hospitality settings, such as bars, pubs, cafes, restaurants, and social clubs must close except for takeaway, delivery and click and collect services from midnight tonight (Wednesday).

Susan Rice, from the Hyde Park pub in Norton, said: "I’m so sorry to say the government has put us in tier 3 so as from tonight we will after close again . I’m absolutely gutted and so sorry but will need to cancel all bookings thank you to everyone for your support hopefully we can get through this and see you all in the new year."

In a statement, the Coaching Inn Group, which took over the Talbot Hotel in Malton earlier this year, said: "Following the latest round of changes to the English tiers we will be closing ALL of our Inns from tomorrow as they all currently sit in Tier 3 or 4.

"If you have any enquiries about existing bookings please email reservations@innmail.co.uk - we expect high volumes of emails so please be patient in waiting for a reply.

"We thank you for your support during the festive season and look forward to welcoming you back when it is safe to do so."