Hospitality chiefs call for ‘crisis’ talks on city’s level three agony

TOURISM and hospitality bodies are calling for urgent talks with Nicola Sturgeon on Glasgow remaining in level three coronavirus restrictions.

The Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) and Ukhospitality want a half-hour call with the First Minister, warning that Friday’s decision not to move Glasgow to level two restrictions yesterday, as previously planned, “has thrown a significant part of our industry and indeed the supply chain back into crisis mode”.

Ms Sturgeon announced on Friday afternoon that virus outbreaks in Glasgow and Moray mean they will remain at level three, with a review in a week, while the rest of mainland Scotland moved into level two and many island areas dropped to level one.

She also announced a ban on travel in and out of Glasgow or Moray council areas.

In level three, hospitality premises can only serve alcohol outdoors and meals indoors must stop at 8pm.

In a joint letter to Ms Sturgeon, STA chief executive, Marc Crothall, and Ukhospitality Scotland executive director, Leon Thompson, said: “This has thrown a significant part of our industry and, indeed, the supply chain back into crisis mode and the mental health, resilience and commercial viability of the sector are of considerable concern.”

Requesting the urgent call, they said they expect the Scottish Government to acknowledge the current situation and announce further financial support.

They said that the travel ban has led to “widespread cancellations” for tourism businesses, food and drinks will go to waste and the supply chain has been “left in limbo”. The letter states the £750 offered by the Scottish Government to support businesses hit by the requirement to remain in level three is not enough and calls for more cash.

It also calls for a timescale for reviews and the criteria behind these decisions.

The letter adds: “Emotions are running very high now within the industry and feelings of resilience and hope are now turning to bitterness and anger which is being directed towards the Scottish Government.”

Signature Pubs owner Nic Wood criticised the late announcement on the changes, saying in talks with the Scottish Government last Wednesday they said Glasgow would enter level two on Monday.

He is unable to reopen two pubs in Glasgow city centre, The Spiritualist on Miller Street and The Raven on

Renfield Street, and about 40 staff have been put back on furlough.

He accused the Scottish Government of not listening to businesses and said people were “dumbfounded” by the lack of notice.

“It’s a massive inconvenience and incredibly frustrating,” he said.

“There’s a lack of insight and understanding of the business from the Government.

“We’re just holding our heads in our hands, to be honest.”

Having spent about £6-7,000 gearing up the venues for reopening, he said the £750 is “nothing”.

He added: “It’s a drop in the ocean of what we’ve already spent. It’s not even going to cover the wastage in food.”

Mr Wood fears the extra restrictions in Glasgow could last months, particularly after mass gatherings in the city at the weekend.

Feelings of resilience and hope are now turning to bitterness and anger