Huge blow for struggling pubs

a Hammer blow for the hospitality industry this week as nicola Sturgeon squashed plans for the opening of outdoor areas in bars and restaurants, previously a key plank in phase two of lockdown easing.

Meanwhile, hundreds of pubs and eateries have been putting social distancing strategies in place, cautiously rehiring staff, and gearing up for a grand outdoor reopening this weekend.

I understand the need for caution, really I do. But why on earth put it in the plan in the first place? and why not give an indication that it might not happen until now?

For an industry currently dangling by a thread, it seems desperately unfair.