Landlords fears over future of bar trade

TWO of Dundee’s most experienced landlords have voiced fears the Covid-19 pandemic could lead to dozens of pubs closing across the city.

Jimmy Marr, who owns eight popular bars and restaurants in the city, and Ronnie Bissell, owner of The Occidental Bar in Broughty Ferry, are also fearful the trade may never be the same again as landlords count the cost of three coronvairus lockdowns.

The latest restrictions put in place by the Scottish Government could last into spring – and pub owners in Dundee, who have only been able to operate a takeaway service since the beginning of November, are fearing the worst.

Mr Marr, who owns popular haunts such as the Tay Bridge Bar, Harlequins, Rewind and Nicolls, said the pandemic is the worst crisis he has faced in 35 years.

He revealed he has been handed the keys to popular venue 172 at the Caird, after the tenant running the business could not afford to continue.

He said: “I have had to cope with a lot but I have never seen anything like this in my years in the business.

“We have come through minimum pricing, the smoking ban and the lower drink-driving limit but this is definitely the worst crisis and the biggest challenge we have faced.

“I think what we are going through now is going to change the face of the pub trade in Dundee for a very long time to come.

“There are bars that will never open again because they simply will not be able to afford to.

“Many of my tenant landlords can’t afford to keep going and many will not return.

“The tenant at The Caird has just handed the keys back to me because he can’t continue.