Pubs offered help to re-open this month
GLASGOW City Council is fast-tracking applications by pubs and restaurants hoping to re-open later this month. Phase 2 of the route map out of lockdown raises the possibility of licensed venues being able to serve customers in outdoor areas from June 18.
A spokesman said application processes are being reviewed and streamlined where possible to provide a “quick response” for businesses looking to use external areas for food and drink.
The council has put together a dedicated taskforce involving licensing, roads and environmental health services to ensure businesses comply with regulations aimed at preventing the spread of Covid-19.
In May, the owner of one of Finnieston’s most popular restaurants unveiled an ambitious plan to help kickstart the city’s restaurant trade.
John Macleod, who set up favourite Crabshakk in 2009, has urged Glasgow Lord Provost’s Philip Braat to back his vision for Finnieston Green, which would see a section of Argyle Street closed and used to house a giant greenhouse-like structure.
It would allow diners to sit outside and is said to have received “enthusiastic support” from businesses.
Councillor Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “It is vital that we strike the right balance between supporting businesses and protecting public health as we move through the different phases of lockdown.
“Creating the confidence that we are taking steps to keep Covid-19 at bay clearly goes hand in hand with economic recovery. “Encouraging innovative ideas from businesses is essential and we want to make it as easy as possible for businesses to find their way.
“The City Services team has been established to help restaurants, bars, venues and other traders cut through some of the challenges they will face as we emerge from lockdown.
“Having the City Services team will make it as straightforward as possible for businesses to navigate their way through the new arrangements and begin trading again.”
The team is being led by Denise Hamilton, head of city services from the council’s Neighbourhoods and Sustainability, working alongside Mairi Millar, head of licensing.
Ms Hamilton said: “This new approach is being developed rapidly and further information on how we will engage with businesses will be released in the coming days.”
A dedicated email address – cityservices@glasgow.gov.uk – has been set up as the point of contact with the team.