Three quarters of pubs which do not focus on food are yet to receive Christmas lockdown grants according to the British Beer & Pub Association.

Announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson at the start of December, the one-off grant of £1,000 for each wet-led pubs was designed to help those forced to close during their busiest time of the year.

But the BBPA said only 26 per cent have received the payment while almost half of the grants introduced to support pubs through tier restrictions and November lockdown have also not been paid.

A survey of members found 46 per cent of pubs are yet to receive Local Restrictions Support Grants.

BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin said: "It is unbelievable that so many pubs are still waiting on their Christmas grants and grants for the second lockdown.

"Considering we are now in a third lockdown it is scandalous.

"Publicans across the country are desperately checking their bank accounts every minute of every day to see if they have got their payment."

She continued: "Our sector is hanging by a thread, so for many pubs getting these grants is the difference between surviving or closing for good.

"The Prime Minister personally promised some of these grants for wet-led pubs. We implore him to now intervene and ensure his promise is delivered.

"It is completely unacceptable that it has even gotten to this stage where we are pleading with Government to deliver the support we've been promised by them.

"These grants are a vital lifeline, but only when delivered. Government and local authorities must work more closely together to ensure future grants are delivered to pubs quickly."