BUSINESSES are facing an uncertain Christmas this year after the government announced new restrictions.

Those restrictions, together with general fears over the virulence of the new Omicron variant, are causing a blanket of uncertainty to cover the already etiolated hospitality sector.

The decline of UK high street footfall has been exacerbated by the pandemic. It declined by 19.6 percent on two years ago, 1.3 percentage points below last month’s rate.

Even the pecuniary allure of Black Friday failed to boost numbers. Total UK footfall fell by 15.7 percent in November on the same month in 2019, according to BRC-Sensormatic IQ data.

The Cumbria Chamber of Commerce (CCC) said: “The recent announcements are both confusing and concerning for business.

“Clearly town and city centre businesses are concerned about the potential impact on footfall of more homeworking, as well as the potential for announcements to cause concern among the public more widely about being in potentially busy environments.”

It is not just the current restrictions that are causing concern but also the seeming inevitability of more.

Rumours of a “Plan C” are circulating in response to the Omicron variant, leading to more consumer hesitancy.

The CCC added: “There’s also significant concern in hospitality, with some businesses and other groups already choosing to cancel parties and so forth, even though these are allowed under the current rules.

“Everyone is concerned that the guidance will become more restrictive. Many businesses have built up significant debt and another lockdown of any significance is likely to push more over the edge.”

These concerns are echoed by restaurant owners in Carlisle.

Brothers Mustafa and Ibrahim Koc, owners of Anatolia Turkish Mez Bar & Restaurant, said: “Over the last few weeks we have had a few cancellations and lost bookings. Three weeks ago, it was a lot busier. It is still okay at the weekends but during the week it is quieter.

“Last week we lost quite a lot. We thought it would be a bit better. We are not sure if it is the restrictions, but it is definitely noticeable.”

The unease percolates through the sector. Cinemas have struggled during the pandemic due to a cocktail of closures, restrictions and growing demand for streaming services.

Blockbusters such as the new Spiderman film and Steve Spielberg’s West Side Story may not be enough to save an already severely weakened industry.

Vue cinemas are leaning into the restrictions, however, hoping to fight hesitancy with reassurance.

A Vue spokesperson said: “As we have done throughout the pandemic, we continue to follow Government guidance. We continue to look forward to welcoming our customers to sit back, switch off and enjoy the escapism the big screen offers.”