Amid ‘super-spreader’ fears
will be hard for the hospitality industry. I want to give an assurance to businesses in that sector that we will continue to support preparations for reopening, for example, by encouraging local authorities to facilitate the use of open outdoor spaces which pubs and restaurants can use for additional space.”
The review of the two metre rule will also report by 2 July, ahead of the 15 July restart of the hospitality trade. It will look at reducing this to possibly 1 metre, with many pub and restaurant bosses warning their businesses will not be viable without the change.
The Scottish Licensed Trade Association described the delay announced yesterday as a “bitter blow” for the industry.
Managing director Colin Wilkinson said: “With the decision now delayed until July 2, operators face another anxious period for the survival of their businesses. This may also have a knock-on effect for the reopening of indoor areas, originally planned – all being well – for July 15.”
Scottish Beer and Pub Association chief executive Emma Mcclarkin added: “Pubs and bars across Scotland will be somewhat disappointed by this announcement, with many expecting to be given a definitive date today for reopening their outdoor space to allow them to start preparing to open again.”
She added that many pubs are now working towards the July 15 full reopening date, but stepped up calls for the two metre rule to be relaxed.
“Continuing to operate at a two metre social distance will make opening financially unviable for many and could result in over 23,600 job losses in our sector alone.”
Marc Crothall, chief executive of the Scottish Tourism Alliance, said feedback from the accommodations and restaurant sector suggests it could lose 50-70 per cent of trade if the two metre rule remains in force.
He added: “Many restaurants, hotels, pubs and golf clubs with an outdoor area which they had planned to open over the coming days will be bitterly disappointed.”