NICOLA Sturgeon has told licensed cafes in the central belt that they will be able to remain open as long as they don't serve booze.
The Scottish Government restrictions announced yesterday initially said only cafes without an alcohol licence in Ayrshire & Arran, Forth Valley, Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Lanarkshire, and Lothian would be allowed to open.
That led to a number of cafes complaining.
On their Facebook page, Moyra Janes, who are based in the First Minister’s Glasgow South constituency, said they felt “very hard done by”.
“During the day we are very much a cafe environment with virtually no booze sales. If we were a cafe with no premises licence we could still open during the day.
"We could have continued to trade, making our own income, not selling alcohol, supporting local suppliers, paying our staff with our earnings, and providing a much needed service for locals and passers by. Sadly, we won't be able to do this.”
The issue was raised in Holyrood during First Minister’s Questions. East Dunbartonshire MSP Jackie Baillie told Sturgeon there were cafes in across Loch Lomond and the Trossachs national park who would be forced to close their doors as a result of the new restrictions, even when "99% of what they do is about food, and only 1% is about alcohol”.
“So can I ask the First Minister to consider whether there is a way of allowing these cafes to suspend their licences and continue to trade, offering just food, otherwise they may have to close their doors permanently.”
Sturgeon replied: “Firstly, no I wouldn't consider it in the future because I already have.
“And I'm delighted Jackie Baillie has given me the opportunity to clarify this point today.
“Cafes will be able to open whether they are licenced or unlicensed, as long as they don't serve alcohol.
“The regulations that we will shortly bring forward to close certain premise premises will include a specific exemption for cafes.”
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