THE UK Government has knocked back a plea to extend the Eat Out to Help Out scheme in Aberdeen.
The city was placed in lockdown in the first week of the discounted food programme after a spike in coronavirus cases.
A cross-party appeal from political representatives in the north east of Scotland, alongside the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), urged the UK Government to reintroduce the month-long scheme once restrictions have been lifted.
But the Treasury has rebuffed the call, claiming "any further assistance for specific Scottish regions" would need to come from the Scottish Government.
The policy gives diners 50% off their food and non-alcoholic drinks, up to a maximum discount of £10 per person, with the Government then reimbursing restaurants. It applies on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout August.
But with Aberdeen's bars, cafes and restaurants ordered to close on August 5 and travel restrictions placed on residents due to an outbreak of coronavirus in the city, there are calls for the scheme to be extended so would-be diners and businesses can still take advantage of the offer.
A petition to reschedule the scheme – launched by Khalis Miah who runs Riksha restaurant in Union Square – had received more than 1150 signatures by this afternoon.
The FSB in Scotland has now written to Scottish Secretary Alister Jack, who said on Monday that the Chancellor was "very receptive" to his general suggestions, but the Scotland Office has refused to comment on whether he would make the case for an Aberdeen-specific extension.
David Groundwater, FSB's development manager for the north east of Scotland, argued an extension would not increase the cost to the Government "as Aberdeen isn't benefiting from it at present".
He added: "Like businesses across the length of the country, independent restaurants and cafes in Aberdeen have had an awful year.
"But unlike their counterparts, these operators haven't been able to welcome customers back through their doors this August because of local lockdown restrictions.
"To help Aberdeen eateries get back on their feet, we want the UK Government to reintroduce the Eat Out to Help Out scheme when it is safe to do so."
Scottish Conservative MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, Andrew Bowie, said the Eat Out to Help Out scheme had "rejuvenated" the hospitality trade as lockdown restrictions eased.
He commented: "It would be fantastic if this scheme could be extended for all areas that go through a local lockdown in the UK.
"I know that struggling businesses in Aberdeen would welcome it wholeheartedly and I would encourage the UK Government to explore if an extension is feasible."
Lewis Macdonald, the Labour MSP for north-east Scotland, added: "Local restrictions have been brought in to protect public health, but it would be unfair for the hospitality sector as a whole to miss out on this very helpful discount scheme.
"I hope the Scottish Secretary will back this call so that cafes and restaurants in Aberdeen get the same support as in the rest of the country."
SNP MSP for Aberdeen South and North Kincardine Maureen Watt said businesses are "extremely disappointed that they are unable to take advantage of the scheme" because of the local lockdown.
She added: "That decision by venues to put public health first is to be commended, particularly given that it will undoubtedly come with financial consequences.
"The Chancellor should commit to supporting the hospitality sector in Aberdeen and extend the Eat Out to Help Out scheme to provide businesses with the opportunity to get back on their feet, and bring customers through the door, after a prolonged period of no income."
At Friday's Scottish Government coronavirus briefing, Nicola Sturgeon said 198 cases of Covid-19 are believed to be associated with the "large and complex outbreak" linked to Aberdeen pubs since July 26.
The First Minister said: "I think it's clear from the numbers I've just given that we will continue to see new cases and new contracts identified in Aberdeen in the coming days, but we are hopeful that this is an outbreak that will be brought firmly under control."
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel