‘ OPEN OUR CITY
Licensing board urges First Minister to allow premises that sell food to remain open
GLASGOW Licensing Board has called for the government to allow all premises that serve food to remain open – to support the city’s hospitality sector and help tackle Covid- 19.
In a letter to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, the board expressed its recognition of the challenges facing the government during the on- going coronavirus pandemic.
But based on feedback from the licensed on- sales trade as well as the deliberations of the board, the letter also set out a series of possible measures intended to strike the appropriate balance between protecting public health and preserving the viability of the city’s licensed trade.
Recommendations included: a reconsideration of the definition of ‘ café’ within the current regulations and allowing all licensed premises that serve food to remain open, even if alcohol can’t be served.
It also suggested introducing phased closing times for different types of licensed premises should a requirement for a curfew remain in place once the current restrictions are lifted. This includes a proposal for a
‘ last entry/ booking time’ system to help manage dispersal from premises.
The board believes that the liquor licensing system acts as an additional, powerful lever to ensure that premises comply with the controls created by the coronavirus regulations.
Protecting the licensed trade will therefore support the fight against Covid- 19 in the longer term.
The letter also expresses concerns about:
The use of unlicensed restaurants, which are allowed under the coronavirus regulations but are beyond the scope of the licensing system.
Increased footfall in the premises that remain open during the current restrictions.
A growth of unregulated drinking in homes amid the closure of pubs, clubs and restaurants, where the consumption of alcohol is managed and Covid- 19 controls are in place.
Customers leaving premises at the same time as a consequence of the 10pm curfew and the impact this had on other services such as taxis, buses and food outlets.
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “Scotland’s hospitality industry has faced unimaginable challenges this year and we have worked hard to provide critical support to the industry. No- one wants the restrictions in place a moment longer than needed and they are kept under review.
“We will consider all the feedback we have received and will be discussing the proposed protections in the five level framework outlined today by the First Minister with the hospitality sector ahead of it being debated on Tuesday.”
The plea follows our sister paper The Herald reporting earlier this week that a Glasgow restaurateur has been told she can continue to operate after convincing a court that her business has been operating as a cafe since full lockdown ended.
Eusebi’s Deli, pictured, in Glasgow is among a handful of hospitality businesses against which the council is pursuing enforcement action saying they do not meet the criteria for an exemption that allows cafes to remain open during temporary “circuit breaker” restrictions affecting the Central Belt.
However, it has now emerged that Giovanna Eusebi secured an interim interdict from the Sheriff Court in Glasgow on Tuesday night which prevents the local authority from serving her with a prohibition notice that would force her to shut. It is understood the temporary ruling centred on receipts from the past two weeks which Ms Eusebi said had shown that the venue has primarily served “cafe food” and coffees.
Ms Eusebi, who is a Herald food writer, runs another delicatessen in the east end of Glasgow.
She said: “We are delighted by the decision of the court which vindicates the position we have taken from the very beginning.
“Since re- opening in the summer, we have served thousands of customers in a safe and secure cafe and deli environment with every precaution in place.”