The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Trade bosses forecast restrictions likely to cost thousands of jobs
T he Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA) expressed “extreme disappointment” over the extension of restrictions.
Spokesman Paul Water son, said :“We expected this so we are not surprised.
“However, yet again there has been no consultation with the industry and as we said earlier this month, we believe these measures to be cataclysmic for hospitality operators.
“Hundreds of businesses are facing permanent closure and with that thousands of jobs will be lost – the damage could be irreparable.”
A recent survey highlighted nearly 40% of hospitality businesses were considering closure or business exit.
In September, an SLTA survey of 600 premises claimed 12,500 jobs could disappear.
Mr Waterson said: “We estimate that two-thirds of hospitality businesses could be mothballed or go under in the coming months.
“Over 50% of jobs in the pub and bar sector could also be lost, which will have a particularly deep impact on the employment of young people, as more than 40% of staff employed are under the age of 25.”
Reiterating that responsible operators continue to run safe, carefully monitored es tab l ishmen ts , he continued: “Our industry is in serious trouble and it is only going to get worse.
“The £40 million financial support package is nowhere near enough to save jobs and prevent operators from going under. And once again we do not have details of other financial help promised by the Scottish Government.
“Ye t again it is the licensed trade that is suffering and the current measures affect not just our industry but the wider economy. We are extremely disappointed.”
Jackie Johnston Liddell, who runs the Stag’s Head Bar in Carnoustie – which has a small outdoor area at the rear – and the Crown Inn in Monifieth, which has no outdoor space, said: “It’s just a nightmare.
“I was meant to be doing orders yesterday and I just didn’t bother because I thought ‘I don’t think we are going to be open’.
“That’s my problem, we don’ t know whether to order stuff in or not order stuff in.
“I have got the Stag open Friday, Saturday, Sunday from 2 until 8 which was OK the first weekend and last, but nowhere near as good as it would be if we were able to sit inside.
“And I have spent a fortune on gazebos , chimineas and firepits, just to get people to come in.
“I have also spent a fortune on sanitisers and all the other stuff I have had to get in when we were open inside, just trying to keep people here.
“It’s difficult just keeping the doors open and the Crown has been shut since the ninth because there is no outdoor space. You still have to pay your overheads – you still have to pay water bills, everything has to be paid whether you’re open or closed.”
Popular Fife chef Dean Banks took to social media last night to relay his dismay at the restrictions and the situation, saying applying for the Scottish Government’ s funding “makes me feel sick”.