Landlords must not be allowed to target tenants during coronavirus, says UKHospitality

Commercial landlords must be prevented from taking punitive legal actions against businesses suffering a loss of income during the coronavirus crisis, UKHospitality has told the government.

Gourmet Burger Kitchen’s parent company Famous Brands has decided not to provide further financial assistance to the brand following a deterioration in sales and the closure of UK restaurants last month due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Mexican restaurant chain Benito’s Hat has filed for administration after the impact of the coronavirus on the restaurant industry left the company “no option” but to cease trading.

The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) and British landlords are calling on prime minister Boris Johnson and chancellor Rishi Sunak urgently to freeze rent, rates, mortgages and loans or face empty high streets and a major loss of UK business.