Hospitality venues close amid concerns over further far-right violence

Hospitality venues across the UK have closed their doors today (7 August) due to concerns further far-right riots could take place this evening.

Police have said they are prepared for unrest caused by “hateful and divisive” groups and are monitoring reports of at least 30 possible gatherings.

Holiday Inn hotels in Rotherham and Tamworth were attacked by far-right groups over the weekend while cafes and shops across the country have been looted and damaged.

The violence has been stirred up online after the murder of three young girls in Southport on 29 July.

Where are hospitality venues closing?

In Bristol, several hospitality venues have closed due to reports further demonstrations could take place this evening. The Bristol Bear Bar said it had closed to prioritise staff and customer safety while the Volunteer Tavern has also shut its doors.

The Volunteer Tavern wrote in a Facebook post: “Closing for one day for the safety of our staff and you, our customers, is not letting [the far-right] win. It is taking the precautions necessary to ensure we can allow our community to thrive.”

The Nags Head in Walthamstow, London has closed “due to a potential protest” while in Sunderland Italian restaurant Sambuca said it had closed as “safety comes first, ours and our customers too”.

Meanwhile, in Brompton the Sunflowers Café said it was closed today “due to anti-immigration protests taking place in Chatham”.

The Set restaurant in Brighton said it was staying open after being reassured by the police.

A post on the Set’s Instagram page said: “Sadly a minority of far-right hatred filled pricks are coming to town later today.

“I’ve spoke to the police and they’ve said we’re safe to open so we’ll be doing just that unless the safety of our customers and staff is at any risk.

“We stand with everyone in our community and it breaks our hearts that people don’t feel safe at the moment, hopefully that changes very soon.”

What support is there for businesses?

UKHospitality has created a support hub for operators affected by the riots across the UK over the past few days.

This includes advice on how to claim compensation for damage or loss during a riot and ensuring staff are briefed on how to respond if violence occurs.

Hospitality sector charities such as Hospitality Action and the Licensed Trade Charity operate free helplines and advice for business owners and staff who may be distressed by the situation.

Local police forces will also be able to advise businesses who may be concerned about potential disorder.

How are the police responding to the violence?

More than 400 arrests have been made and around 100 people have been charged in connection with disorder over the past few days.

This includes two men from Barnsley, who were arrested on suspicion of aid and abet violent disorder in connection with the unrest outside the Holiday Inn Express hotel in Rotherham on Sunday.

Police have seized a vehicle believed to have been used to distribute weapons which were used to attack officers on the frontline.

Three men have today been jailed for taking part in violent disorder in Liverpool and Southport over the weekend.

Police across the country have said officers will be more visible today and are ready to mobilise to respond to any potential incidents.

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