PUB and small business owners fear the worst when a Covid rent freeze expires at the end of the month.
Thousands face being turfed out of premises or even made personally bankrupt.
Many are likely to be pub, bar and restaurant owners, according to Hospitality Union.
It wants the Government’s lease forfeiture moratorium — a form of rent protection for commercial tenants — to be extended to the end of the year, or for other assistance to be found.
It says firms were unable to do business in lockdown and have fallen into arrears through no fault of their own.
At the end of the month, owners who have not struck deals with landlords will have to pay rent — although trade may still be struggling.
If they cannot pay up, landlords may repossess premises.
‘WORST KIND OF LOAN SHARK’
Some owners may be personally liable — meaning they could be forced into bankruptcy.
The union’s founder Jonathan Downey said: “The worst kind of loan shark landlords will use lockdown default to bankrupt thousands of pub, bar, café and restaurant owners.”
Trade body UKHospitality also urged the Government to consider extending rent protection.
A government spokesperson said: “We urge landlords and tenants to find solutions that work for both parties.
“We’ve taken unprecedented action to protect jobs and livelihoods, with a package of around £160billion of support including loans, rates relief and grants for businesses.”
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