LET Covid level changes come into effect at 6am, not 6pm, to give bars and restaurants a chance, the Scottish Government has been urged.
Eleven regions currently in level 4, the highest coronavirus tier, are to leave this on Friday evening in plans outlined by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
A decision on the level each of these will be placed into will be taken today. It is expected that most of these will enter level 3, allowing cafes, pubs and restaurants to reopen until 6pm daily for the sale of food and non-alcoholic drinks.
But the level shift will not take effect until 6pm on Friday and the Scottish Hospitality Group, which represents some of the biggest bar and restaurant players, is calling on ministers to shift it 12 hours forwards.
The call comes as the organisation criticises the level of support available for the sector, in comparison with businesses elsewhere in the UK. It says the £64-per-day sum is 25% of that available in Wales, where £269 is available. This contrasts with £147 in Northern Ireland and £80 in England. Larger employers with multiple premises also face a cap on the help they can claim.
The organisation – whose membership includes the G1 Group, Buzzworks Holdings and Caledonia Inns amongst others – says comparable business in nearby countries are faring far better, with those in Germany able to claim £1785 each day and others in the Netherlands able to access £1071.
Sturgeon has said ministers will “continue to liaise with all affected sectors of the economy to see what further support can be provided,” adding: “It is not possible for government to compensate for every loss that business is suffering during these really difficult times, but we will continue to do our best to make sure that we are providing maximum support.”
But Stephen Montgomery, owner of the Townhead Hotel in Lockerbie, said: “It’s yet another blow in an already catastrophic year.
“We want fair support compared to other UK nations. We also want the easing of restrictions to come into effect at 6am on Friday not 6pm, otherwise that’s another day of trading lost. Finally, we reiterate our call to the Government to tweak the tiers and let us trade viably.”
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