Moorlands pubs that predominantly serve alcohol can now apply for grants to compensate them for the impact of closure over the festive period due to Covid restrictions.

The Christmas Support Grant Payment is a one-off payment of £1,000 that is available to pubs in tiers 2 and 3, and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council is now inviting applications from eligible businesses.

To qualify, pubs must:

- Be liable for business rates AND

- Operate as a wet-led pub business that derives less than 50% of its income from sales of food

- Under normal circumstances be described as: open to the public; free to enter other than when occasional entertainment is provided; allowing drinking without requiring food to be consumed; and permitting drinks to be purchased at the bar

Councillor Sybil Ralphs, Leader of the district council, said: "The restrictions have been particularly difficult for pub businesses - especially those that don't serve food - and they will feel the impact even more during the festive season when they can generally rely on bustling trade.

"That's why these grant payments are so important. I'm pleased that we've been able to open up the application process so Moorlands pubs can apply for this help sooner rather than later and I encourage those businesses that meet the criteria to complete the online form on our website at their earliest convenience."

Final applications must be received by 31 January.

To find out more and apply, click here.