The founder of a craft beer festival in Bristol is urging the Government to continue supporting the hospitality sector in the wake of Covid-19.
Greg Wells, of Bristol Craft Beer Festival, said his business had been “profoundly” impacted by the virus over the last 16 months.
He said alongside culture and travel, no industry had been "hit harder" or had to make as much of a “commercial sacrifice”.
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“[This last year] has been intense,” he said. “We've had to move events multiple times, furlough staff, change our model, and had to do lots more with less.
“We have remained calm throughout and worked really hard to keep the business going. Support through various mechanisms - such as VAT breaks and grants - needs to continue.”
Mr Wells made the comments ahead of the return of the Bristol Craft Beer Festival at the weekend.
The Harbourside event brings together craft breweries, local food traders and artisan producers over three days.
This year's event will feature Bristol breweries Wiper & True, Lost & Grounded, Left Handed Giant, Good Chemistry, Moor, Harbour and Wild Beer.
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There will also be beers from US breweries including Mountains Walking, Adroit Theory, The Brewing Project, Brix City and 18th Street. Europe's Beerbliotek and Brouwerij Frontaal will also be available alongside Britain’s Gipsy Hill, Salt Beer Factory and Dark Star.
Organisers are requesting all attendees take a lateral flow test 24 hours before the event to ensure the “safety” of festival goers. But Mr Wells said he “didn’t particularly like” the idea of vaccine passports.
“I am not sure why again it's our sectors being singled out, but we'll obviously do what we can to be able to run safe events," he said.
“The last year has been tough for us all, but as we’re starting to see some return to normality, particularly in the hospitality industry, it’s really important to support businesses which need our help, and in some way get Bristol back doing what it does best."
Looking ahead to the next 12 months, Mr Wells said he was looking forward to the return of bigger events.
He added: “I am planning to grow my business by delivering amazing experiences. The greatest antidote to the last year and half is going to be mass events where people get to be people once again - to celebrate in shared experience over things that bring joy.”
The festival will take place from Friday, July 30, to Sunday, August 1, at the Lloyds Amphitheatre at Bristol Harbourside.
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