NEW Covid rules have caused a run on patio heaters as pubs turn car parks into drinking areas.
Under Tier 2, six punters can still meet for a drink outdoors.
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MP Andrew Rosindell warned: “There is going to be a run on pub heaters so we can all have a drink outdoors — better than having a drink on your own inside.”
The boss of one leading London restaurant said: “We are scrambling to buy gas heaters and canisters so diners can choose to sit outside.
“But that only works if it is dry and there is no wind — and this is England, in October.”
“No one wants to sit outside in the rain and wind – and it is not safe to use a heater in that kind of weather anyway.
“Plus the suppliers are already running out of the heaters we have requested.”
She added: “We are having to ask certain members of staff if they are willing to go back on furlough as we just don’t need the same number of employees anymore.
“It is the only way we can cut costs and still keep the restaurant open.
“This no mixing between two households rule is going to kill the restaurant business for good.
“It defeats the purpose of the job retention scheme as job losses and redundancies in these circumstances are inevitable.”
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