Hospitality sector presents Scottish Government with framework

UKHospitality Scotland, the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, Scottish Beer and Pub Association and Scottish Hospitality Group have written to the Scottish Government suggesting a strategic framework that will set the course of hospitality for the next six months.

The trade bodies sought clarification on a number of issues and made proposals designed to support a sector that has been devastated by the COVID crisis, including:

• Higher levels of restrictions will require higher levels of support for businesses. These must be at least in line with levels in England
• The economic support made available in the form of grants will not be sufficient.
• There must be information from the Scottish Government as soon as possible how it intends to use its share of the £700 million funding allocated recently
• Urgent confirmation of how the Job Support Scheme will work for Scottish businesses
• Support must be provided for sub-sectors including music and entertainment venues, nightclubs and conference centres, that are unable to open
• Anomalies regarding the serving of meals in cafes but not pubs or restaurants, or hotels unable to serve alcohol to residents, must be reviewed immediately

The letter also urged the Scottish Government to ensure it does not impose any restrictions longer than is necessary, with any measures regularly reviewed. There also needs to be a clear roadmap for how areas facing tighter restrictions can work towards exiting those restrictions, with comprehensive guidance for businesses, based on consultation, issued in advance of any new measures.

covid-19 hospitality Job Support Scheme Scottish Beer and Pub Association Scottish government Scottish Hospitality Group Scottish Licensed Trade Association UKHospitality Scotland