Hospitality sector begs for government help

Concerns heard at Monday's LVA meeting

Members of the Manx hospitality sector have begged the government for help to survive.

Over a hundred were at a Licensed Victuallers gathering at the Manx Museum yesterday afternoon.

Government Ministers Dr Alex Allinson and Tim Johnston were present.

Some in the audience said they feared they wouldn't be able to carry on in business much longer.

Manx Radio's John Moss was in attendance:

A government spokesperson says: "The Treasury Minister and Enterprise Minister would like to thank the 90 local hospitality business representatives who attended today's Hospitality Forum to discuss the sector’s long term sustainability.

 "During the event attendees shared valuable insights and we will consider and evaluate the issues discussed, alongside the statement issued by the LVA and direct discussions with businesses in recent weeks. We are listening and recognise that the industry is asking for us to act quickly to address and consider solutions to the matters raised.

 "We will continue to explore how we can help and bring forward strategic initiatives that will benefit the industry in the short, medium and long term."