Manchester agency Roland Dransfield has teamed up with Greater Manchester’s Night Time Economy Adviser to launch a new scheme to help the city’s bars and restaurants in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
#PayItForward allows people to buy discounted gift vouchers that can be redeemed when social distancing measures are lifted and restaurants and bars can throw their doors open again.
In addition, £1 from each discounted voucher will go to Hospitality Action, the charity which supports the mental health of staff across the hospitality industry.
Roland Dransfield founder and CEO Lisa Morton said: “Covid-19 has swept the globe, and has thrown things into uncertainty. The Prime Minister’s announcement on 16 March encouraging people to stay away from social spaces has compounded what was already a precarious situation.
“It’s likely that our beloved bars and restaurants, which have provided us with so many memories over the years, will struggle through this period. That’s why we’re launching #PayItForward, in partnership with Greater Manchester’s Night Time Economy Adviser, Sacha Lord.
“We’re calling on anyone who has ever had a bloody brilliant night out, day out or meal out at any of our venues across the region to buy discounted gift vouchers now, to ensure that cash keeps coming into the tills of our hospitality operators and livelihoods are protected.
“These can then be redeemed when restaurants and bars are able to throw their doors open once again, and when social distancing measures are lifted.
“£1 from each discounted voucher purchased will go to Hospitality Action. In a time when many of them will feel anxious about their job security and their financial situations, the work that this organisation does is more vital than ever.
“We’re confident that Mancunians born, bred and adopted will show some of that indomitable spirit we’re known for, and support one another through adversity – as we’ve done so many times before. After all, Manchester thinks a table is for dancing on, not hiding under.”
