Extend the hours for hospitality and save 32,000 jobs
Labour MSP backs campaign calling for a rethink of rules
THE SNP has been urged to save jobs by loosening emergency coronavirus rules on hospitality sales.
The call follows research commissioned by drinks firm Diageo, which claimed 32,500 jobs could be secured with minor changes.
They said an extra two-and-a-half hours of opening and allowing alcohol sales with “strict controls” would increase turnover from £419million to £1.1billion in areas covered by restrictions.
Scottish Labour MSP Alex Rowley raised the issue yesterday with Scottish Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop.
Rowley said: “To effectively recover and rebuild from the effects of the pandemic, we must protect valuable industries such as hospitality.
“Minor adjustments to the restrictions could get thousands of people back to work, allow the sector to generate turnover and contribute significantly to the public finances in 2021. It must be examined and a response given.”
In a letter to Hyslop, Rowley said hospitality has been hit hard by lockdown restrictions in Scotland’s five-tier system.
Sales of alcohol in pubs are banned in Level 3 and bars are shut at Level 4. There are strict new rules on times for lower levels.
The study suggested jobs have collapsed from 83,400 to just under 20,000.
Rowley said he had met with business owners in the sector in Level 3 areas and claimed safety measures were “first class”.
He added: “The businesses were asking why it is safe to serve a meal and soft drinks at 5pm but not safe to do so at 7pm?”
He urged the Scottish Government to publish data used to reach these decisions and asked for “greater flexibility where the sector can demonstrate the ability to operate in a safe way”.
Scottish Beer & Pub Association chief Emma McClarkin said: “The sector has been devastated by the pandemic but the restrictions are compounding the misery when it doesn’t have to be the case.”
The Scottish Government said: “We believe the current restrictions for hospitality are the correct balance but will continue to assess restrictions to ensure they remain appropriate for the circumstances.”