THE chancellor will be urged to give more help to Dorset’s hospitality industry as businesses warn of the “catastrophic” effect of the latest coronavirus restrictions.

One restaurant boss said there would certainly be job losses after the government announced venues would have to close at 10pm.

Boris Johnson unveiled a raft of new restrictions and said people should work from home if they could – only weeks after encouraging them to return to workplaces.

Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood said the measures were necessary amid the threat of a second wave of Covid-19.

“If we are to avoid a full lockdown, we need to act urgently,” he said.

He added: “I am seeing the chancellor next week and I will be fighting hard because the hospitality industry once more will be hit the hardest.

“We understand why the 10 o’clock closing time has been brought in but ultimately if we are to save these businesses and retain jobs, we are going to require continuing financial support from the Treasury.”

Mark Cribb, founder of Urban Guild restaurants in Bournemouth, said it was “outrageous and immoral” to penalise the sector when only four per cent of infections were traced to the hospitality trade. Care homes accounted for 42 per cent of infections and education 21 per cent, he said.

“Inevitably, more people are going to lose their jobs – it’s 100 per cent certain,” he said.

“I’d rather people lost their jobs than died from coronavirus, but the data on transmission says it’s not going to make any difference – it’s not happening in hospitality.

“It’s all setting up for a very catastrophic impact on the economy in an area that has very few infections and relies on hospitality and tourism.”

Andy Lennox, who runs the Zim Braai restaurants and founded the Dorset pressure group Wonky Table, said the 10pm curfew would cut restaurant capacity by another 30 per cent.

But he said the worst effects would be felt by night time venues such as bars and clubs. “This is going to hit the night time economy the worst, when they’re already on their knees. They’ve had no support through this pandemic and they need support,” he added.

The prime minister also said workers in retail and indoor hospitality will have to wear masks, as will people in taxis. Customers in indoor hospitality will also have to wear masks except when at a table to eat or drink.

Only 15 people will be allowed at weddings, while big sporting events, conferences and exhibitions will not reopen as planned from October 1.

The penalties for disobeying the rules will also be greater – failing to wear a mask or breaking the rule of six will see fines doubling to £200 for a first offence.

Mid Dorset and North Poole MP Michael Tomlinson said: “Whilst the numbers at present in Dorset and Poole remain relatively low, the prime minister is clear that we have as a country now reached a perilous position.

“I agree that we should not have a national lockdown. These new measures are hugely important, but it is not a return to a full lockdown. It is vital that we keep our schools open, and as much of our economy as possible.

“I know how much of a burden these restrictions have been and to an extent will continue to be. But equally I know how well we here in Dorset have all cooperated, and I know we will continue so to do – not just for ourselves, but for our friends and loved ones as well.

“I do not want any restrictions to last a moment longer than necessary, but it is clear that they will be with us for several months to come.”