MORE than 150 pubs and bars in Warrington could be forced to close under tier three coronavirus restrictions.

Real estate adviser Altus Group says that up to 142 pubs and 12 bars are at risk of shutting unless they can operate as restaurants under government guidelines.

New measures which will be brought in tomorrow, Tuesday, state that such premises can remain open if they serve ‘substantial meals’ and can only serve alcohol as part of such a meal.

The Manchester-based firm also states that 16 bookmakers will also be required to close under the strictest level of Covid-19 restrictions.

Meanwhile, 59 restaurants and 19 hotels or guest houses will benefit from new grants announced by Rishi Sunak on Thursday last week – giving them the equivalent of 70 per cent of funds being handed to businesses which are legally required to close.

Premises forced to shut will receive up to £3,000 per month of support after two weeks of closure.

Robert Hayton, head of property tax at Altus Group, said “The chancellor should be commended for providing discerning, targeted additional support for those businesses not ordered to close but whose trade has been adversely impacted which was a key ask.”