The Scottish Government’s announcement today that the licensed hospitality sector will have to wait until next week to find out if existing restrictions will be lifted from January 24th has left the sector in limbo. In response the Scottish Licensed Trade Association expressed disappointment that no firm decision from the Scottish Government has yet been made.
Colin Wilkinson, SLTA managing director, commented:-
The constant messaging from the First Minister to work from home where possible and limit contact with people is doing nothing to build consumer confidence and leading to growing frustration among business owners.
Of course, we appreciate that the Scottish Government has to consider the health of the nation but it also needs to focus more on the economy and clarity on “how we live with covid” is desperately needed going forward.
Last week, the First Minister alluded to the Scottish Government’s new strategic framework on dealing with Covid which will be published in the coming weeks – she said exactly the same today, so our question is – when will this be published because we need answers now.”
The SLTA is also deeply concerned about the possible extension of the vaccine passport scheme as any extension to overall hospitality settings will have a major negative impact on already desperately struggling businesses.