Hospitality sector’s concern at plans

UKHospitality has warned the Scottish Government’s plan for restarting the economy in Scotland is likely to result in business failures and lost jobs.

The plan outlines a gradual approach to easing lockdown through four flexible phases, reviewed every three weeks.

According to the plan, announced on Thursday, hospitality businesses with outdoor spaces will be permitted to reopen at phase two, but those without will not be able to until phase three.

UKHospitality claimed the plans to reopen hospitality and tourism businesses in Scotland have been drawn up arbitrarily, with no consultation with the sector and little forethought for the impact on hospitality businesses.

UKHospitality executive director for Scotland Willie Macleod said: “We are concerned the Scottish Government’s plan will do more harm than good.

“It appears not to be based in any logic and has the potential to create a two-tier sector with many already-hammered businesses being left behind.

“Reopening hospitality businesses should be phased according to agreed protocols to ensure healthy, hygienic and safe spaces for staff members and tourists.

“The Scottish

Government’s plans rests on whether businesses outdoor space or not.”

The Scottish Licensed Trade Association said it was not surprised.

Managing director Colin Wilkinson said: “We welcome the release of the route map to recovery and see this as an important start to a return to some sort of normality whatever that may be.

“There were no real surprises in the plan and, as we all suspected, the licensed trade will be one of the last to fully reopen. The announcement that licensed premises with outdoor areas will be able to reopen sooner is of some comfort for those who can provide this.” have an

Willie Macleod.