Reacting to Matt Hancock's announcement this morning that aligns Bolton with the rest of Greater Manchester, and allows Bolton hospitality to re-open, Leader of the Council, Cllr David Greenhalgh, commented:
"I am delighted that Government has finally listened and realised the disparity and unfairness at the way our hospitality sector in Bolton has been treated.
"I have done my very best to put the pressure on and highlight the inequality and the damage to our economy, to jobs and to local businesses, as I know many restauranteurs and landlords have, and this is now a victory for fairness and common sense, and for all those businesses who lobbied and put the case.
"My first priority is to the residents and businesses of this town, and I will continue to fight for these businesses and for more financial help.
"This is not a sign that COVID has gone away but a move to bring parity and consistency across Greater Manchester.
"We must now work together as one large community to keep our rates down to avoid any further restrictions, follow the guidance and find that balance between containing COVID-19, protect those most vulnerable, and allow our economy to function.
"I thank the many people in Westminster and locally who I have pestered and mithered over the last couple of weeks that have helped to get us to this point today where our hospitality finally has a lifeline."
Bolton Council is awaiting further details and clarification on when hospitality can reopen from, and any other updates to Bolton's restrictions.