BREWER Thwaites has announced it is suspending the collection of tenanted pub rents until the end of April.

The pub company, which owns several pubs in Bolton, has sent a letter to landlords across the UK.

Bosses want to give the tenants a bit of breathing space as the coronavirus is expected to decimate trade as people were told to avoid congregating in pubs but not forbidden.

Thwaites pubs in Bolton include The Grapes, in Farnworth, The Queens in Bradley Fold, The Sportsmans, in Bromley Cross, The Queen Anne, in Little Lever, The King William, in Turton, and La Roma restaurant in Kearsley.

In the letter, Thwaites said: “Having listened to many of you over the last couple of days we have decided to suspend the collection of tenanted pub rents until the end of April.

“This will give you the opportunity to use the cash that we are not collecting to pay your staff and other costs and give us some time to assess the full implications of COVID-19 on the pub.

“We will also be able to see the effects that your own cost mitigation plans have had, whilst understanding how quickly the chancellor’s latest pub support package will make it to grass roots levels, as well as the payment of business rates grants promised in April and any further intervention that may come from government departments.

“We do ask that you continue to pay for stock delivered in line with your payment terms.”

Queens landlord Cllr Hornby said: “The news is to be welcomed, however, it remains unclear whether we will have to pay this at a later date and how because it will take a while for pubs and other businesses to recover after this unprecedented crisis is over.

“But any help at this difficult time is appreciated.”

Andrew Buchanan, director of pubs and brewing at Thwaites, said: “There is no doubt that our pubs are feeling the pressure following the confusing message that has been put out by the government.

“By not thinking it necessary to shut pubs whilst encouraging social distancing, the government has left businesses in limbo.

“We are doing what we can to support our pubs and suspending pub rent collection is one example.”