Fears Covid-19 measures effectively signs 'death sentence' for hospitality sector

Industry leaders are warning the latest coronavirus restrictions in Scotland will effectively sign a "death sentence" for the hospitality sector.

The measures, announced yesterday, mean alcohol cannot be served indoors in pubs and restaurants from 6pm tomorrow.

Business owners must also close their indoor facilities from 6pm, with only outdoor tables allowed to stay open until 10pm.

There are tighter restrictions in the central belt, where all pubs and restaurants must close entirely for the next 16 days.

The rules affects venues in Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Arran. Lothian and Forth Valley.

Stephen Montgomery, spokesperson for the Scottish Hospitality Group, said: “The First Minister has effectively signed a death sentence for many businesses across the Scottish hospitality industry, while the real problem is socialising at home.

"We have repeatedly implemented the safety measures required by Government and more to protect our customers and staff. We are part of the solution to combat this virus not part of the problem.

“This latest blow from the Scottish Government will create fear and anger across our industry.

"This is not a “short, sharp shock”, rather a crippling stranglehold that will result in many Scottish pubs and restaurants unable to reopen in lockdown areas if this becomes indefinite.

"While some premises may remain open, banning alcohol indoors will mean that many smaller businesses, family operated and at the heart of local Scottish communities, will not survive past winter and the longer-term impact will be felt for years to come.

The Scottish Government has announced £40m in funding to support the sector.

National Clinical Director Jason Leitch says measures to slow the spread of the virus had to be brought in.

"It's not alcohol bad, no alcohol good. We're not in prohibition. We just want for a little while, to get those numbers down, get everyone to take a breath and get us into a position where the numbers are low enough and we can start to open up again," he said.

"It doesn't take a scientist that alcohol tends to lubricate social events. It lowers your guard, it just makes you slightly less aware of your surroundings.

"It's the same thing we use for drunk driving, you just cannot pay the same level of attention as you would without alcohol."

But it's not just the hospitality sector that's fearing a financial struggles over the coming days.

Stuart Mackinnon from the Federation of Small Businesses said: "Support needs to go to all sorts of businesses, not just firms that are directly affected but those that are indirectly affected as well," he said

"We need to make sure it gets out quickly so that businesses making tough decisions understand the help that's at their disposal."

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