A LANDLORD says she doesn’t know if her business will survive long enough to reopen, after it was announced Essex will be in Tier 2 of coronavirus restrictions.

Sheena Valentine, who runs The Victoria Inn, in North Station Road, Colchester, said the business will be unable to open in the run up to Christmas, traditionally one of the hospitality industry’s busiest periods, as it doesn’t serve food.

She said without significant financial support from the Government the pub may not be in a position to reopen in 2021.

“We are incredibly disappointed and we don’t understand why at the moment,” she said.

“They are opening up sports facilities and 2,000 people will be able to watch Colchester United play, but you can’t go for a socially distance pint in the pub. It seems crazy.

“It doesn’t just affect us, it is our staff and our suppliers who will suffer.

“If we remain closed over Christmas and through new year I really don’t know whether we will make it out the other side. We need to see what support we receive.

“It would have been our tenth anniversary at the pub on December 6, but we won’t be celebrating.”