New Forest residents are being urged to “stick to the rules” and “stay safe” as the new Tier 2 restrictions come into force.

As of Wednesday, December 2, new local tiers replaced the national lockdown restrictions across England, with Hampshire placed under High (Tier 2). Dorset has also been placed in Tier 2.

Ringwood mayor Tony Ring said: “Without doubt many people will question why our area is placed in Tier 2 of the new Covid restrictions system and many business operators will face yet more difficulties in dealing with the resulting challenges but experience elsewhere clearly shows the danger of an infection rate surge is still present everywhere if vigilance is relaxed too soon.

“Despite all the problems we have an excellent record in compliance with previous advice and regulation and must accept that the new tier system for all its perceived shortcomings is the best option medical science has yet contrived to control the spread of this dreadful disease. I am confident that we will continue to obey the rules and hopeful that an early review of local circumstances will allow for the restrictions imposed on us will be eased. Stick to the rules, stay safe.”

But the area’s MP fears the rules are a “disaster” for hospitality.

Under the restrictions businesses can continue to operate in a Covid-secure manner, other than those that remain closed by law.

Hospitality venues operating as restaurants can provide table service only, where alcohol is served, and will be closed between 11pm and 5am (last orders at 10pm).

Fordingbridge mayor Edward Hale said: “I was surprised when Hampshire was placed under Tier 2 restrictions and it is disappointing that this will reduce the options for Fordingbridge to return to normal at the end of lockdown.”

Caroline Roylance, who runs the George pub, says it has decided not to reopen yet as she says it is “not viable”. She said: “It is devastating not to reopen because Christmas is a fantastic time of year to work in hospitality and we’d usually have a great December with all our staff. Unfortunately, all people want to do is book our dining pods and we can’t run a business on six tables.”

She said there were also problems in terms of policing the one household and bubble rules. Caroline says reopening will be reviewed.

Speaking about the tier system, she said: “It’s not just us feeling disgruntled. It is the way the tiering system has been done. The fact in any tier you can go and get your eye lashes done but you can’t have a meal in a socially distanced pub with your friend is just insanity. It is the fact that hospitality are just being singled out. I understand not serving drinkers.”

“We feel if we had reopened under Tier Two restrictions it wouldn’t have been financially viable. We wouldn’t have been able to keep our head above water.” she said.

“Maybe we have made a mistake by not reopening but I want to preserve my business so that it is still here after the pandemic and my 25 members of staff still have a job.”

New Forest West MP Sir Desmond Swayne said: “The measures are some relief to retail, gyms, personal services and churches. They are a disaster for hospitality however. This is an industry which has gone to enormous and expensive lengths to make themselves secure. I was one of those who demanded the evidence that they are a source of infection and the estimate of lives saved consequent upon the restrictions imposed on them. No such data has been forthcoming.”

As part of the restrictions you are not allowed to socialise with anyone you do not live with or who is not in your support bubble in any indoor setting.