BUSINESSES across the city are "ready" to face any new restrictions head-on as bosses claim Christmas shoppers are undeterred by the latest rules.

Small businesses in Brighton and Hove have been "unaffected" by the latest restrictions introduced to combat the spread of Omicron.

The Prime Minister announced on Wednesday he would be triggering his winter Plan B which include compulsory mask-wearing and working from home guidance.

But the measures have not deterred residents from carrying on as normal, with several businesses experiencing the same level of trade days after the rule changes.

Keeley Burns, owner of Audreys Chocolates in Holland Road, Hove told The Argus that business was booming, with no signs of customers stopping amid the measures.

She said: "People are still out and about and we are still very busy.

"People are wearing masks and we've not had any problems with that.

"We really haven't been affected - we're extremely lucky.

"We are well established so people want our chocolate, which are very much a tradition at Christmas, Easter and birthdays.

"It's not been affecting us at all."

From Friday, in England the legal requirement to wear masks was extended to more indoor spaces including museums, galleries and community centres.

There will be a return to working from home guidance from Monday, and mandatory Covid passports for large venues is set to apply from Wednesday.

Vanessa Lewis, one of the owners of The Book Nook, in First Avenue, Hove said Christmas shoppers have been undeterred by the reintroduction of face masks.

She said: "It is always in the back of your mind, I check the news every day to see what the latest developments are.

"The good thing is people are Christmas shopping and they love our shop.

'They come here for book recommendations and advice.

"A big part of our shop is events and we obviously have to monitor that.

"Each day is different."

Despite the difficulties facing the Prime Minister – who enjoys a majority of around 80 in the Commons – on his own benches, the Plan B vote is almost certain to pass with Labour support.

Asked about the prospect of a Tory rebellion, Communities Secretary Michael Gove said he was “confident” MPs would examine the proposals “seriously, soberly and thoughtfully” in light of the fast way Omicron has been spreading across the UK.

Speaking to broadcasters on Friday, he added: “I’m also confident people will conclude that, on balance, it is right to act.”

Mr Johnson told a Downing Street press conference this week he would like to lift the Plan B measures “no later than early January”.