A BAR owner has criticised Bolton Council's move to suspend outdoor 'pavement' licences for pubs, bars and cafes during England's Euro games, which start this month ­— saying it is another blow to the hospitality industry.

John Wray, owner of The Venue, a popular spot in Churchgate, says the notice to stop outdoor service and seating during matches, has come out of the blue ­—as the beleaguered hospitality industry is desperately trying to get back on its feet.

A letter sent out on Friday, warned town centre bars and cafes that their licence to serve outdoors would be suspended two hours before, during and after the match ­— meaning any outdoor furniture on public land will have to be removed.

Pavement licences have been granted to hospitality businesses in a bid to boost trade post-lockdown.

John said: "Hospitality has been the biggest hit by closures due to covid and need all of the support they can get.

"There has been no consultation, only a letter on the Friday before a Bank Holiday and only 16 days from the first England game. They should be asked to explain the reasons and to state what additional support they are offering the businesses affected."

Mr Wray has contacted Bolton Council and is awaiting a response.

He told The Bolton News :"We were planning for the England games and started getting things ready for it and out of the blue without any consultation without any direction we suddenly get told you have got to close your pavement licence two hours before and two hours after.

"This effectively means, subject to how long the match goes on, you can't use it for six hours.

"In the current climate they should have also thought what can we do to help these businesses.

"In Bolton we have been barely been able to use the license since they were introduced last year.

"We start to build up a bit of campaign for the England game and now we are told we are indoors,

"We are still social distanced so the likes of us are at 40 per cent of what our capacity is.

"When England play and the weather is glorious we can't open outside until 6pm, at night.

"The council need to recognise the fact that when we are struggling to get business back we are restricted again."

John concluded: "If there is a legitimate reason for why they should do it explain it to us."

Seating and service on private land is not affected.