The UK hospitality industry says that new Covid rules in England "are killing Christmas" and has warned pubs, restaurants and hotels face going bust.

The government will roll out regional restrictions after Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed the second lockdown in England will end on 2 December.

But new rules mean pubs operating under Tier 2 can only trade if customers have a "substantial meal".

In Tier 3, pubs must shut and can only sell goods for takeaway.

In contrast, gyms will be allowed to stay open under Tier 3 restrictions while outdoor and indoor spectator sports venues can reopen in Tier 1 and Tier 2 with limits.

Non-essential shops and personal care, such as hairdressers, will also be allowed to reopen when lockdown ends.

Covid pub rules 'killing Christmas not saving it' https://t.co/qrLBm6zCgB

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Mr Johnson said: "I'm very sorry, obviously, for the unavoidable hardship that this will cause for business owners who have already endured so much disruption this year."

But UK Hospitality's chief executive Kate Nicholls said: "The government is making a point of saying that these measures are needed in order to save Christmas.

"In reality, they are killing Christmas and beyond for many businesses and their customers who look forward to, and rely on, venues being open at this time of year. Sadly, for many staff, it will be a Christmas out of work."

The government also said it would ditch the 10pm curfew. However, pubs and restaurants must stop serving alcohol and food at 10pm and customers will have until 11pm to leave the premises.

Ms Nicholls said that under the rules that were in place before the current lockdown came into force on 5 November, some 76% of its members warned their business "would not be viable" if Tier 2 restrictions remained in placed for three months.

That number rose to 94% under the previous Tier 3 rules which stated that pubs could only stay open if they offered a substantial meal.

But she said under the new rules "large swathes will just not be able to open at all".