Good Luck Message from the SLTA President
As many of us are set to reopen our business tomorrow, I thought it would be important for me to say a few words.
It has been a long time since 20th March, and what a baptism of fire it has been for me in taking over the Presidency of the SLTA on 26th March. From daily Zoom, Teams, and Skype meetings, conference calls with the STA, SDS and Government officials, to multiple daily calls with Colin in the office, I can certainly say that Colin and I have been kept on our toes and the SLTA is, without doubt, in the forefront of representing the interests of our pubs and bars during these unprecedented times.
Setting all this apart, it must be acknowledged that it has also been a long road for you, our registered stakeholders and registered and corporate supporters. Weeks of uncertainty, worry and stress all takes its toll. It has also been a worry for our teams, and I think they must be congratulated in getting through this uncertain time alongside their employers. It must also be remembered that there are still many places like late night venues, nightclubs and live music venues and also smaller premises who are still not able to re-open.
Many of our pubs, bars and hotels have used this time to make changes to decor and catch up on the wee jobs we never had time for, and I am more than positive that there are many of us who are now a dab hand with a paint brush.
Tomorrow only sees the start of our long journey to recovery and, as an association, the SLTA will continue to strive to make sure that we come through this with the best possible outcome for our sector.
In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all, your families, and your staff, the very best of luck for tomorrow and I look forward to ringing around the country over the next week to see how it has all gone and, to those who are still unable to re-open, the SLTA will continue to work closely with Scottish Government to get the much needed support you and the entire industry will continue to need in the months ahead and, of course, keep you up to date as we go along.
Regards.
Stephen Montgomery
SLTA President