Staff at Perth butcher receiving abuse from irate customers

A Perth butcher has spoken of his frustration after seeing his staff abused for implementing strict social distancing measures.

Beaton Lindsay, who owns DG Lindsay and Son on North Methven Street, said customers were no longer being allowed on the premises and can only buy meat if it has been pre-ordered.

However he said some people had taken their frustrations out on his employees.

He said: “The boys have had one of the worst weeks ever. It’s strange, for years

I’ve just been a butcher, and now I’m a key worker.

“We’ve put processes in place that we will not break – we are only taking orders over the phone 24 hours in advance. We may yet go to a delivery-only service.

“People aren’t taking this seriously and are coming to the shop expecting to get served at the door. Just this morning we had one woman move the table blocking the door to try and come into the shop.

“They are taking it out on my boys, who would all rather be locked away

“Customers need to understand I have to protect staff

at home themselves. It’s actually quite upsetting for my staff.”

He said some people had also been placing orders and then changing their minds after they had been made up because they had managed to get the items at the supermarket.

“We are trying our best to stay open for as long as possible but it’s hard. Customers need to understand that I have to protect my staff,” said Mr Lindsay.

“To be honest I’m shocked that more businesses aren’t doing this.”