Curfew plan branded ‘hugely disappointing’
The imposition of a midnight curfew on pubs and bars across Scotland instead of the planned move back to closing times as dictated by licensing was also described as “hugely disappointing” by hospitality chiefs.
Physical distancing of at least one metres will continueoutdoors,thefirstminister said,butweddingsandfunerals would see capacities rise to 200.
Joe Crawford of CAMRA said the continuation of table service for many pubs would be bad news for struggling publicans.
He said: “Moving all parts of the country to Level 0 will certainlybewelcomedbutthe continuation of table service, restrictions on groups and a midnightcurfewismoregrim newsforhard-workingpublicans who are still struggling.
“This is also bitterly disappointing for consumers who are looking forward to a return to the authentic pub experience – with service at the bar and an end to restrictions on group sizes.
“Pubs matter to people and communities and deserve ongoing support from the Scottish Government until theycantradeasnormalonce again.”
The concerns were echoed by the Scottish Beer and Pub Association who said the last-minute addition of a curfew was “another blow to the trade”.
The group’s chief executive Emma Mcclarkin added: “It is positive that we are to progress to Level 0, but the decision to maintain a curfew is hugelydisappointingandwill exacerbate the financial difficulty many hospitality businesses find themselves in.”