The owners of a Derbyshire wedding venue are urging people to sign an online petition calling for the Government to lift the restrictions which are ‘crippling’ the industry.
More than 13,000 people have already added their names to the petition which asks for the number of guests permitted at a wedding to be calculated according to its capacity.
Now the family behind Shottle Hall, in Belper, has also invited Sarah Dines, the MP for Derbyshire Dales, to a meeting at the venue so she can better understand their situation.
They believe the industry is being overlooked by the Government which has allowed smaller venues, such as pubs and restaurants, to reopen without any limit on numbers.
At the moment, just 30 people are permitted to attend a wedding ceremony and reception and this number includes the registrars and photographer.
Shottle Hall CEO Joanne Nicol said: “The wedding industry is being absolutely crippled by these restrictions, which are unfair and completely unjustifiable, especially when larger groups of complete strangers are able to meet in the pub or even sit on an airplane.
“We are being left in a state of paralysis and this is taking a huge toll on the mental health of couples and suppliers alike and with no guidance, no roadmap and no clarity, there is no end in sight.
“I sent Shottle Hall’s MP, Sarah Dines, three letters and two emails before I had a response. Although I understand she has to follow Government guidelines, I feel she has responsibility to us as constituents to hear our concerns and report back.
“So, we would like her to come over to Shottle Hall and meet us – so we can explain exactly what the impact these restrictions is having, not just for us, but for the countless other suppliers in exactly the same situation.”
Shottle Hall’s CEO Joanne Nicol says the industry is being crippled by the Government’s restrictions.
Almost all Shottle Hall’s 2020 weddings have been moved to dates in 2021 at no extra cost to the couples.
But with limited availability for new weddings next year and the furlough scheme coming to an end in October, the venue is being put under increasing financial pressure.
Joanne added: “The wedding industry is made up of small business owners, many of whom are self-employed and struggling to make ends meet.
“If anyone has just two minutes to spare to add their names to the online petition an entire industry – and many prospective brides and grooms – would be extremely grateful.”
To sign the petition visit https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/329339
ENDS
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