Support for essential businesses staying open

Argyll and Bute Council’s licensing policy lead has reiterated the importance of looking after each other during the coronavirus pandemic – and pledged the authority’s full support.

Councillor David Kinniburgh also invited any residents with concerns about safe access to essential services to contact the council’s environmental health officers.

The council said last week said that it is working with Police Scotland to ensure vital businesses could work safely to protect their staff and communities.

The statement also said that enforcement would only take place if public health was compromised or businesses refused to co-operate.

National guidance states that essential services include food stores, takeaways, chemists, energy companies, utility services and critical infrastructure companies.

Councillor Kinniburgh said: ‘The majority of people are doing the right thing – staying at home and respecting social distancing when they have to go out. However, if we want food in our shops, bins lifted, electricity for homes and hospitals, and internet so we can work at home safely, other people have to leave their homes to make sure these vital services are available for the rest of us.

‘So you will see some businesses and services continuing to operate and those that do will be expected to take precautions to protect against COVID-19.

‘The council is here to help ensure they do so safely. If anyone has particular concerns they are welcome to contact environmental health by emailing envhealth@argyll-bute.gov.uk or by phoning 01546 605519 during working hours – Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

‘But whoever is around, it is really important to also focus on what we can all individually do to keep ourselves protected by checking www.nhsinform. scot

‘Working with the police, we as a council will do all we can to support businesses to look after their staff.’