The yoga class serving BOOZE with your downward dog... so they can 'qualify for Covid hardship grant'

A yoga studio has staged an unusual protest over Covid-19 hardship support — by serving booze at their sessions.

Hot Lotus, in Stockport, claims they have done more than most to improve people's wellbeing during the pandemic.

And they have now taken the dramatic step to highlight what they say is an unfair gap in support for firms affected by the Omicron variant.

Although the government unveiled a support package for the hospitality and leisure sectors late last year, it excludes gyms and other businesses where physical exercise or training is conducted on an individual or group basis.

READ MORE:Dad-of-four suffered 'unsurvivable' brain injury after punch, inquest hears

That decision comes as a hammer blow for Hot Lotus, owner Heidi Sanderson told the Manchester Evening News .

“Before Omicron we were hugely affected by Covid anyway, in terms of numbers and confidence of people to exercise indoors,” she explained.

“So we were really relying on having a strong January. That is as important as December is for hospitality to us.”

The decision to not include yoga studios has cost Heidi up to £6,000 from this grant alone.

She also says that she feels her sector has been ‘overlooked’ because it does not ‘bring in the same money as hospitality’ — but also helps people’s wellbeing.

Heidi continued: “My business is doing a lot to improve people's mental health and support. We should have been supported more than any other sector.

“We don't bring in and that is why we are overlooked.

“There seems to be a mixed message over who is getting the grants. In Stockport pubs and restaurants and accommodation businesses are getting support.

“We are excluded.”

Heidi’s feelings prompted the 50-year-old to make the point that had her studio