Nightclubs can reopen from Monday 24th January and all hospitality restrictions will also be lifted – that is the necessity to provide table service and physical distancing. The news was delivered by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to Parliament this afternoon. However, she has clarified that Covid passports will still be required in late-night venues whether they have a dancefloor or have put tables on the dancefloor.
The Covid Certification scheme is not however being extended to other premises. The First Minister said it would not be “proportionate at this stage.” As she revealed that Omicron peaked in the first week of January and that the guidance asking people to stick to a three household limit has been lifted
Face coverings in all public settings are still required as is the necessity for hospitality premises to continue to collect contact details of their customers.
Businesses were also encouraged to allow their staff still to work from home.
Stephen Montgomery, spokesman for Scottish Hospitality Group, “While it is really good news to see the First Minister lift restrictions today we don’t understand why it couldn’t be with immediate effect, given the fact that stadiums are full.
“However the news on the changes for late-night venues and nightclubs which no longer allows them to put chairs and tables on dancefloors to remove them from the scope of Covid Certification is something which we categorically oppose. This could bring more people into the scope of certification. To put it bluntly, the Covid Certification policy should be removed altogether. Again, this is an example of where there has been zero consultation with the sector before a policy change has been announced”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has lifted restrictions on major outdoor events from Monday but has kept the restrictions in place for hospitality businesses. There will be no change to the need for social distancing in premises and table service and the limiting of household groups to three. She said the situation would be reviewed next week with the likely date for the removal of restrictions the 24th January.
The First Minister also suggested that there may be a requirement to extend the scope of the Vaccine Passport Scheme when restrictions are lifted, although she said the Cabinet had not come to any decision as yet. However, it will now be a requirement for large outside event organisers to check 50% of attendees for Covid Certification and this includes the necessity to have had a booster.
The news comes as the First Minister revealed that instead of cases reaching 50,000 in mid-January, it is estimated that cases only reached 30,000 per day. She said, “In summary, the situation is undoubtedly serious but less so than it might have been. There are some signs may be starting to turn the corner.”
The Scottish Government finally reduced the rules on self-isolation yesterday. The move follows the UK Government’s relaxation of quarantine rules before Christmas and sees the self-isolation period moving from 10 days to 7.
The First Minister also revealed that close and household contacts who have received three vaccine doses will not be required to self-isolate if they test negative using a LFT for seven days after being contacted. While anyone who is symptomatic and has tested positive for COVID using a LFT must book a PCR test. Otherwise, asymptomatic individuals testing positive with an LFT will no longer be required to book a PCR test but must self-isolate and fill out contact tracing forms.
The changes came into force at midnight.
Stephen Montgomery, spokesperson for the Scottish Hospitality Group (SHG) commented, “The announcement yesterday from the First Minister to bring Scotland in line with the rest of the UK with regards to self isolation is a positive step for our sector especially after the devastation of the past 4 weeks.
He continued, “After missing out on what should have been a busy December month to see us through the quiet months of January February and March, we would expect that the remaining restrictions placed on us will be lifted by 17th January.
“Hospitality is at a crucial point as we head towards the return of rates, VAT at 20% and utility increases and this has to be acknowledged by the Scottish Government. The requirement for exit strategy from restrictions is now a necessity, not an option.”
UKHospitality Scotland’s Executive Director, Leon Thompson, said, “The reduction from 10 to seven days for self-isolation will be welcomed by the Scottish hospitality businesses that are able to trade at reasonable levels and thus require greater numbers of their team.”
However the First Minister also revealed that the rules around physical distancing and table service for businesses serving alcohol were likely to remain in place until Monday 17 January.
Thompson commented, “The announcement leaves the future of jobs and livelihoods hanging in the balance.
“Christmas and Hogmanay were a write-off for many of our businesses. The ongoing uncertainty on how, or indeed if, sporting and business events can take place over coming weeks and months is now sapping business and consumer confidence further. If the uncertainty around restrictions continues, Easter bookings and trade will suffer, too, as holidaymakers from Scotland and the rest of the UK decide to travel elsewhere.
“Financial support for hospitality is yet to reach struggling businesses – even when it does, it will help with some immediate costs but won’t save the struggling hospitality venues that so desperately need to trade at full capacity. Above all, those businesses need clarity on when restrictions will be lifted and recognition from the Scottish Government that future restrictions on hospitality are not the way out of the current phase of the pandemic.”
The First Minister said during her statement that a revised strategic framework would be published in the coming weeks and revealed that a further £55m had been released for emergency funding – £28m for taxi and private hire providers, £19m for services such as hairdressers and beauticians, £5m for the sports sector and £3m for tourism.
Rugby fans may also get to seen Scotland host England at Murrayfield on 5th February. The current restrictions ban outside events with over 500 people but the First Minister did say she wanted to be cheering them on herself at Murrayfield. She said,, “I certainly do very firmly hope that these matches will go ahead – and will go ahead with crowds of supporters.”
Meanwhile the Prime Minister Boris Johnson told the House of Commons that pre-departure testing will no longer be required from the 7th January for travellers returning to the UK.
Covid Passports became enforceable this morning so if you operate a late-night premises with music, which serves alcohol at any time between midnight and 5am and have a designated place for dancing for customers, you have to enforce the new Covid regulations which require Covid Vaccination Passports.
The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Requirements) (Scotland) Regulations 2021 are now enforceable. The FAQ’s have also just been published. (See the foot of this article.).
Despite opposition to the plans from the hospitality industry the Scottish Government brought the new rules in from 1st October, although delaying the enforcement to “allow businesses to develop a compliance plan” until today. The aim of the new legislation is to “encourage the remaining sections of the eligible population to be vaccinated.”
As far as the DRAM is aware licensees breaking the rules will initially get a visit from enforcers, at the final stage they would be reported to the Procurator Fiscal and could have their licences suspended. However, the publication of the FAQ’s could also reveal whether they will also face fines. Currently the maximum fine for breaking Covid regulations is £10,000 and the new legislation is a Covid regulation – The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Requirements) (Scotland) Regulations 2021. If you breach Covid regulations you are also automatically barred from any further grant support.
There are exemptions which includes employees:
certification does not apply to people working, volunteering or performing in the setting as this would equate to mandatory vaccination for employment purposes however where an employee remains in the setting after their shift has finished, they would be required to demonstrate they have been fully vaccinated
The rules also apply to indoor events ( with 500 or more people); outdoor events (unseated) with 4,000 or more people any event with more than 10,000 people
Exempted are people:
under 18
not able to get the vaccine for medical reasons
participants in vaccine trials (either current or past participants)
the person responsible for the premises
workers or volunteers at the venue or event
emergency services responders and regulators carrying out their work
people under 18, not able to get the vaccine for medical reasons, taking part in vaccine trials, venue staff or volunteers and emergency responders and regulators carrying out their work are exempt from the requirement to be fully vaccinated to be on the premises
Events not included in the scheme include COP26 which will see more than 30,000 people in Glasgow. The Scottish Government has included under events excluded from the legislation: “an event designated by the Scottish Ministers as a flagship event according to criteria”.
Also excluded are: religious events, funerals, marriages, and receptions, as well as marathons, cinemas, work or business conferences, organised pickets, street markets and illuminated trails. Unticketed events held outdoor with no fixed entry points.
Although late-night premises being used exclusively for receptions or gatherings related to a marriage ceremony, civil partnership registration or a funeral will also not be required to implement the scheme. This does not include premises that host other life events such as birthday parties, anniversaries or such like.
FAQ’s – Scottish Government’s clarification regarding questions asked by the industry:
The following are questions we have received from the industry which we have answered and published here in case they are useful clarifications for others. They should be used in addition to the main guidance.
Q. Does Vaccine Certification apply to all licensed premises open after midnight where there is dancing to live or recorded music?
A. Yes, if a premises meets ALL of the following it is in scope for Vaccine Certification:
Alcohol is served at any time between midnight and 5am
There is a dancefloor, or other designated space, for dancing by customers, and
Live or recorded music for dancing is played
Q. Wedding receptions are not in scope but what about other milestone/life events that may run beyond midnight i.e. birthday/retirement/anniversary celebrations?
A. Vaccine certification is not required for weddings, funerals, civil partnerships and related receptions. If other milestone/life events are taking place in a premises that meet the late night definition criteria set out above, Vaccine Certification will apply.
Q. If a dance floor or space where dancing would usually take place is utilised for other purposes, such as by being partly covered with tables and chairs, does this take a premises out of scope for Vaccine Certification regardless of whether people may dance at any point after midnight?
A. If a premises (meeting the late-night definition criteria) reasonably expects that customers will want to dance to live or recorded music in an area where dancing would normally take place, is in the operating plan and there is an expectation by customers that dancing will feature in their late night experience, then Vaccine Certification will apply.
If a premises stops the playing of music from midnight, stops selling alcohol from midnight or takes steps to ensure dancing is not permitted/no facilities for it to take place from midnight, then the late night definition criteria will not be met and Vaccine Certification would not apply.
Q. What about premises operating after midnight where there is live or recorded music being played for general entertainment but there is no designated space for dancing and dancing is not a normal feature of the hospitality experience – would that premises be in scope for Vaccine Certification?
A. No, in this scenario a premises would not meet the late night definition criteria and Vaccine Certification would not apply.
Q. If a premises chooses to stop live or recorded entertainment at midnight but remain open for general service, where permitted by its licence, would Vaccine Certification apply?
A. No, in this event a premises would not meet the late night definition criteria and Vaccine Certification would not apply for general service. Similarly, if the premises stopped dancing or serving alcohol from midnight, Vaccine Certification would not apply.
Q. If an in scope premises that would not ordinarily have door staff is unable to hire new trained staff to check Vaccine Certificates at the door, will they need to close at midnight?
A. It is for operators to determine the best approach to compliance with Vaccine Certification, which may vary depending on the type of late night premises. There is no requirement in the regulations for those checking vaccine certificates to be industry accredited security personnel (hold an SIA license), but if checking is being carried out by door staff (manned guarding of licensed premises) and the task of refusing entry to anyone would fall to the person carrying out the checks then an SIA license would be required. Operators should also check the terms of their insurance arrangements where there may be a requirement for staff in certain roles i.e. door staff, to be industry accredited security personnel.
Q. I don’t have door staff as a condition of license and don’t have provision to hire/unable to find door staff, however I may need to covid vaccine certify. Do checks need to be carried out at the door or can they be carried out once customers have entered (i.e. when being served at the bar; seated at a table etc.)?
A. Vaccine certification is intended as a condition of entry where it applies, therefore checks should be made at the door/point of entry in affected settings meeting the late night definition criteria. It is for each premises to determine what measures to put in place, and at what point checking should begin i.e.:
the time the premises opens, or
the time the premises opens its dancefloor and provides music for dancing where this extends beyond midnight
Q. What should staff do if anyone cannot provide their vaccine certificate?
A. Anyone who is unable to provide evidence of having been double vaccinated should be refused entry, unless they can provide evidence confirming they are exempt. See toolkit for further information.
Q. In the event of individuals being separated from friends having been refused entry to a premises – is there a duty of care on venues not to leave people vulnerable and alone late at night?
A. As at any time, safety is always a priority and we would urge everyone planning a night out to think ahead and discuss any issues that Vaccine Certification may present for any member of a group so as to ensure no one is left alone and vulnerable as a result of being separated from friends, as should always be the case in normal times.
Q. What should staff do if someone claims to be exempt but is unable to present proof of exemption?
A. Following 18 October, it will be necessary to refuse entry to anyone who cannot present proof of double vaccination or of exemption in the late night sector. See toolkit for further information.
Q. What should staff do if they find evidence of attempted fraud in order to gain entry to premises?
A. In the first instance refuse entry. This should then be reported as soon as is practical to Police Scotland.
Q. If an event is taking place inside a premises which would previously have been controlled under the COVID19 event guidance, and also meets all four late night criteria, does the event need to check VC’s for all customers or only if its 500+ attendees?
A. If activity taking place within a premises meets the late night definition criteria then Vaccine Certification is required for all customers.
Q. If an event is taking place in a non-hospitality venue (i.e. an occasional license) and fulfills all four late night criteria, does the event need to certify customers or only if it’s 500+ attendees?
A. If activity taking place within a premises meets the late night definition criteria then Vaccine Certification would apply for all customers/attendees. Even if a premises doesn’t meet the criteria for a late night venue, vaccination certification could still apply if the event meets the “events criteria”. In this case, it would apply if it is an indoor unseated event of more than 500 – or a seated event of more than 10,000.
Q. We regularly have performances by bands and other entertainers. Sometimes people will dance, other times they won’t (dependent on the act). Will I have to covid certificate the events that I think people may dance at?
A. Yes, if there is a reasonable expectation, both on the part of the operator and the customer, that entertainment running beyond midnight will result in dancing, and all late night definition criteria is met, then this should be considered in scope for Vaccine Certification.
Q. Our events typically run until after 12 (around 12.45), the four criteria are met between 12 and close, but there’s no entry after 11pm. Do I need to certify customers who are there after midnight?
A. Yes, this will be required by regulations. Operators should however consider their approach in advance. It is for each premises to determine what measures to put in place, and at what point checking should begin i.e.:
the time the premises opens, or
the time the premises opens its dancefloor and provides music for dancing where this extends beyond midnight
If activity in a premises is expected to meet the late night definition criteria then vaccine certification should be part of the operational planning at the outset.
Q. I have hired out my function suite for a significant event (birthday party, anniversary, engagement etc.), there is only estimated to be a small number attending (less than 50). One of the immediate family members had their second vaccination delayed and was only able to get their second vaccine less than two weeks ago. Can that family member not attend? Who is liable for the costs incurred if the event is cancelled?
A. If the activity meets the late night definition criteria then Vaccine Certification applies. Enforcement will not commence until 18 October, before which no one should be refused entry to a premises. After 18 October entry should be refused to people who don’t meet the criteria for being on the premises. Normal contractual terms and conditions apply to bookings.
Q. Every last Saturday of the month we have a ceilidh band and a ceilidh, the demographic of customers is normally 60+, all people dancing are relatively well spaced out and it in no way could be contrasted with a nightclub, do I need to certify customers who are attending the ceilidh if it runs after midnight?
A. If the activity meets the late night definition criteria then Vaccine Certification applies. In this case, there is a designated area for dancing and music provided for the purposes of dancing – the type of music or dancing is not relevant to the criteria. Operators and organisers should take any requirement to comply with vaccine certification into account when planning an activity and include this in any customer communications so that, alongside Government public messaging, people come prepared.
Everybody in Scotland can now download or receive a paper QR code showing their Covid vaccination status following the First Minister’s announcement on Wednesday that vaccine passports would be required for nightclubs and large-scale events by the end of this month.
If the scheme is approved by the Scottish Parliament next week, it will apply to indoor and outdoor events but not to wider hospitality.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf (pictured) said that the codes would allow people without smartphones to show they had been vaccinated. The free documents can be downloaded from the NHS Inform website or posted to people requesting them by phone and the scannable images, or 2D barcodes, are being added to all vaccination records requested from Friday.
Latest figures showed a further 6,107 people had tested positive, with the number of people in hospital doubling in the past 10 days.
Vaccinated children over 12 will only be able to request a copy of their vaccination status by phoning the Covid-19 Status Helpline.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed in an address to Holyrood that vaccine passports will be required for entry to nightclubs and many large-scale events in Scotland from later this month once it is signed off by MSPs next week. She also confirmed that wider hospitality will not be affected but that this will be kept under review.
She said the move was needed to help stem the recent surge in the number of cases and that the plans will apply to indoor and outdoor events, and that the certification scheme was needed to ‘help protect individuals and the country as a whole and reduce the risk of further restrictions being necessary.’
She added, “Many of the events and venues that are covered by the certification scheme are important – they matter to our economy, and to our cultural and social life. That’s why we want to enable them to stay open safely – but they are not essential services.”
The new vaccine certification rules mean people over the age of 18 will need to show they have had both doses of the vaccine before they are allowed entry to:
Nightclubs and adult entertainment venues
Unseated indoor live events, with more than 500 people in the audience
Unseated outdoor live events, with more than 4,000 people in the audience
Any event, of any nature, which has more than 10,000 people in attendance
Said UKHospitality Scotland Executive Director Leon Thompson, “Today’s announcement that the Scottish Government plans to introduce vaccine certification for access to nightclubs and events is a move which will cause dismay amongst businesses which have only recently been able to reopen.
“The fact that there has been no attempt to engage with the sector ahead of this announcement is extremely concerning. Nightclubs and event organisers will be on the frontline of implementing this policy and representatives need an opportunity to ask questions of the Scottish Government’s plans before they are put to the Scottish Parliament for approval.
“Whilst the introduction of certification is envisaged as limited for now, if extended, the impact on wider hospitality could be immense. This cannot be the thin end of the wedge, especially when no evidence has been produced to indicate that nightclubs, events or indeed any other hospitality settings are responsible for the rising number of Covid-19 cases.”
People can already request a paper copy of their vaccination record for travel, and from Friday they will be provided with a QR code so they can download a copy of the record to store on their phone.
A similar scheme will be introduced in England at the end of this month, with people needing to have a passport for nightclubs, while several other European countries – including France, Italy and Ireland – have already introduced similar schemes.
A further 6,107 people have tested positive in Scotland, with the number of people in hospital doubling in the past 10 days, and several areas of Scotland are among those with the highest rates of the virus in Europe.
The Signature Group is running Recruitment Roadshows to encourage more people to join the industry after challenges posed by Covid-19 and Brexit. Interested candidates are invited to come along to one of Signature’s venues in Edinburgh, Glasgow or Aberdeen and put their skills to the test with the chance of securing a job on the day.
The Recruitment Roadshows will take place in Aberdeen on the 7th of September at 4pm at the Paramount Bar, in Glasgow on the 8th of September at 11am at The Spiritualist, and in Edinburgh on the 9th of September at Cold Town House.
It has been unable to open some of its venues across Scotland post-lockdown due to staff shortages, and the company says it needs at least 100 new members of staff to allow all venues to reopen and operate normally.
The three-hour session will include interactive team sessions, introductions to key suppliers, success stories from current Signature employees and an in-depth explanation of the benefits to working for the group.
Business Development Director of Signature Group, Louise Maclean, said, “We simply don’t have the staff to fully reopen our business.
“We’re pleased to say we have plenty of customers, but just not enough colleagues, and we know this is a problem facing the whole sector at the moment. There is truly a staffing crisis in bars, hotels and restaurants across the country and it’s holding back the economic recovery of our industry.
“Our recruitment roadshows will be a great opportunity for keen individuals to come and speak with us directly to get a feel for what it’s like to work for Signature. There are plenty of roles to be filled and you will be joining a tight-knit team with a passion for all things food, drink and hospitality.”
Business Development Manager, Hannah McConnachie, 29, joined Signature ten years ago and has quickly progressed her career within the company, from working front of house to coordinating Christmas bookings and events and overseeing all community activities across Signature venues, as well as all other marketing activity.
Hannah said: “This is a great opportunity for young people looking to start their career in the industry. With so many jobs available, the possibilities are endless, and you just don’t know which path it might lead you on.
“Ten years ago, I began working with Signature as a member of the front of house team and since then I’ve worked my way up to Business Development Manager and it’s been a fantastic journey. No two days are the same and there are no limits to what you can be or achieve.”
The Scottish Hospitality Group (SHG) is warning that the ending of furlough in five weeks will not fully address the staffing crisis facing hospitality and many other sectors, and is urging Westminster to work with the three devolved nations and introduce a migrant visa scheme to provide employers with access to workers.
It says that hospitality businesses are facing a 20% increase in wage costs due to a shortage of staff. A mid-level chef might now expect to earn £30,000 a year, and a server around £25,000 (based on a 45-hour week). In all cases, the need to recruit new staff at higher rates has an inflationary effect across the board as existing staff are brought to the same level.
SHG spokesperson Stephen Montgomery said, “Operators can’t get staff, wage inflation is rampant and all the supply chain problems are combining to act as a brake on our economic recovery. We should expect to see more people looking for work once furlough ends but it will be too little, too late. The reality is that we need temporary 1- or 2-year visas for EU workers to make sure all businesses can recruit the right talent.
“Furlough has done its job and needs to end but we still need help as we head into winter. There’s a real lack of confidence because hospitality has been the first to close and last to reopen, and people quite rightly don’t want to be responsible for implementing government rules that don’t make any sense. So that’s had the effect of pointing people towards other sectors.”
SHG says the lack of recruits is preventing businesses from opening to capacity and beginning the long process of lockdown recovery, with venues having to shut early or restrict their numbers, crippling the sector’s ability to reclaim lost revenue over two summers and one Christmas.
Nic Wood (pictured), owner of The Signature Pub Group which operates 21 venues mostly in Edinburgh and Glasgow, added, “It is incredibly frustrating that after all we’ve been through that we can’t get enough staff to open up our venues to their full capacity or hours.
“The issues of furlough, lack of staff and supply chain complications are jeopardising hospitality’s ability to try and scrabble back to pre-Covid trade levels. We need a visa scheme to plug the employment void that has appeared since Brexit. It’s imperative that the four nations work together to encourage people into the country that want to do these jobs so that the economy has enough staff to get back to pre-Covid levels.”
The Glenburn Hotel in Rothesay, Isle of Bute has filed for administration, caused by significant operating costs, coupled with the fall in revenue due to the pandemic, leading to unsustainable cash flow problems.
All remaining staff will be made redundant with immediate effect and joint administrators Stuart Robb and Chad Griffin from FRP Advisory will now commence liaising with employees, the Redundancy Payments Office and other agencies to minimise the impact on staff and to ensure their claims for redundancy are processed as quickly as possible.
Originally built in 1843 on a hilltop location overlooking Rothesay, Scotland’s first ‘hydropathic’ hotel opened in 1892 was extensively refurbished in 2016 and features around 121 guest rooms, a ballroom, restaurants, bars, a terrace, conference facilities and terraced gardens. There are also three cottages located within the grounds of the hotel.
Joint Administrator Stuart Robb, partner with FRP Advisory said. “The Glenburn Hotel is a landmark hotel with a long history stretching back to its opening as a grand seaside hotel in 1892. Unfortunately, having explored all its options, the Hotel was unable to survive the significant fall in revenue caused by the COVID 19 pandemic whilst still having to meet significant maintenance and running costs.
“We will now focus our efforts on assisting employees, many of whom have worked at the hotel for many years, to submit their claims for redundancy and other sums due to them whilst preparing to market and sell the hotel.”
The hotel had traded briefly since the start of the first lockdown in early 2020, but has been closed since November 2020 with staff initially being placed on furlough.
Level zero ended at midnight in Scotland with almost all of the Covid restrictions lifted meaning no social distancing in hospitality but customers must still wear masks when moving around, while test and protect details must also still be captured. Nightclubs were allowed to reopen last night and nightclubbers will not have to wear masks while dancing, according to the latest Scottish government guidance, as new rules published on Friday said that face coverings can be removed while dancing, drinking and dining.
It followed calls from the industry bodies like NTIA (Night Time Industries Association) Scotland for clarity as confusion followed the first minister’s update lastTuesday, when Nicola Sturgeon announced that almost all of Scotland’s remaining covid-19 restrictions would end.
On Wednesday, Scotland’s national clinical director Prof Jason Leitch confirmed that vertical drinking at the bar would be allowed in pubs from next week. But earlier in the day, deputy first minister John Swinney had given a different answer about vertical drinking, leading to the Scottish Conservatives accusing the government of confusion and inconsistency.
Said Gavin Stevenson Vice Chairperson NTIA Scotland, “After 18 long months of brutal restrictions that have pushed the hospitality sector to the brink of disaster, there is finally a chance for businesses to trade in a manner which offers them a chance of survival.
“Some of the remaining baseline measures beyond Level 0 are problematic for the sector and place Scottish businesses at a disadvantage to their English counterparts, so we seek further clarity from Scottish Government on when the baseline measures will finally be removed, in order for businesses to return to full viability.”
“In the meantime it is urgent that Scottish government engages with the sector to develop a package of further support to ensure Scottish businesses survive the coming winter, particularly given we have already had to endure far tougher and longer restrictions than our counterparts in England, with less government support to do so.”
Said Donald Macleod, MD Holdfast Ents & CPL, who chose not to open his Glasgow clubs The Cathouse and The Garage last night preferring to wait and digest the guidelines to make his clubs as safe as possible for both customers and staff, said, “After a tumultuous, and exasperating week, one in which the “beyond level zero announcement ” left the industry unnecessarily confused, wondering where in a premises mask should be worn and drinks consumed.
“I am now happy that the government have consulted with the NTIA and other industry trade bodies and listened to our concerns, and we can now plan ahead for reopening with a degree of confidence and surety.”
The Scottish Hospitality Group (SHG) is calling for an industry-specific recovery plan to give businesses a chance of recuperating to pre-pandemic levels.
Following first minster Nicola Sturgeon confirming a lifting of most Covid restrictions from 9th August, there is still no clear strategy for the sector that has been so significantly impacted by restrictions over the past 18 months.
UK government business minister Paul Scully launched the UK Hospitality Strategy last month, outlining plans for the three ‘Rs’: reopening, recovery and resilience, which will support workers back into jobs, focus on training to match the industry’s digital transformation, offer support for rent management and promote the trade internationally to build back.
The Scottish Hospitality Group is calling for a similar plan of action that encourages employees back into the sector, creates sustainable long-term jobs, improves city centres, and sets out a strategy for future-proofing after extended closures.
Stephen Montgomery of Scottish Hospitality Group said, “Scotland is moving in the right direction and we welcome the easing of restrictions, but it needs to go further. We need a recovery plan now that will entice people back into the sector and give them confidence that they are entering a stable industry again. The lockdown has shown how hospitality can adapt in city centres and we are willing to put our weight behind new ways of operating, but we need support behind us to ensure that there are long-term solutions supported by the country and we are not left on our own again.”
Glasgow Sub Club boss Mike Grieve wants immediate clarity from ScotGov on the wearing of face coverings and vertical drinking in Scotland’s nightclubs and pubs. He says that for operators to still be waiting five days before being allowed to re-open following Nicola Sturgeon confirming the relaxation of most Covid restrictions from 9 August is “unbelievable.”
Mike told DRAM,, “Where do I start? We’ve been asking for clarification on the mitigations for months so to hit us with this five days before nightclubs in Scotland can supposedly open is unbelievable.
“So it came as no big surprise that they would open clubs by default but keep them shut at the same time by insisting on restrictions that make it impossible for customers to have the experience they deserve in this hospitality environment.
“It’s deeply concerning that there is no clarity on whether masks need two be worn when customers are standing up which is what most people are going to be doing in nightclubs. Seating areas are a marginal part of the capacity.”
Mike is also looking for a for a timeline for nightclub operators to work with rather than everything being so open-ended
“The first minister’s announcement is a step forward – but with heavy caveats, and the fact that the mask wearing will be mandatory for ‘some time to come’ causes our industry a lot of anxiety. If it were mandatory until to 18 to 20 year olds were vaccinated, say, it would give us something to work with at least.”
His calls come as Covid cases continue to fall in Scotland with no spike in cases in England since masks were ditched in all hospitality on 19 July.
He says that he is still waiting to be contacted as part of the consultation with the night-time industry.
“John Swinney said on the radio this morning that vertical drinking will not be allowed under the current regulations. He said that he was going to be ironing things out with night time industry today, but that’s the first I’ve heard of it and nobody’s been in touch yet.
“So we await the consultations with bated breath, and let’s not forget, any new regulations will have to be enforced before Monday.”
Despite praising hospitality’s “sterling efforts” Nicola Sturgeon confirmed today that Scotland will move to Level 0 on 19th July but that social distancing outdoors would remain, and pubs, bars and restaurants must also shut their doors at midnight rather than follow local licensing rules.
Describing it as “not a complete and wholesale lifting of restrictions” but a “gradual approach” she said that closing hospitality venues at midnight must happen because hospitality is “a risky environment where people are less likely to follow rules” and that the measures “mitigate risk.”
A total of 15 people from the same number of households will be able to gather outdoors with a one-metre gap between each group, while inside hospitality venues, 10 adults from four households can meet, and there will be no need for customers to book a two-hour time slot.
Customers will still be asked to provide their contact details to support Test & Protect and will also be required to wear face coverings when not seated.
A maximum of 200 people will be able to attend weddings and funerals.
With regard to self-isolating she said that the blanket requirement for close contacts of those who test positive to self-isolate, will be removed from Monday, as long as they have had two doses of vaccine and take a PCR test.
She said that she still hoped Scotland could move beyond level zero from 9 August – the point at which the government aimed to scrap most legal restrictions.
Marc Crothall, CEO Scottish Tourism Alliance described the outdoor social distancing rule remaining as “disappointing”. He said, “It will be disappointing news today that the 1-metre distancing will remain outdoors for many of those businesses operating in the outdoor adventure and marine sector, especially as their counterparts south of the border are able to trade without this condition.
“There are understandably huge concerns across the industry in relation to the Scottish Government’s current self-isolation policy and the impact this is having on the ability for businesses to staff at required levels and in many cases, remain open. We are reassured by the Scottish Government’s commitment to removing the need for people to self-isolate if they are double vaccinated and come into close contact with a positive case.”
Leon Thompson, UKHospitality Scotland Executive Director, is calling for more financial support. He said, “Hospitality continues to trade in a very difficult environment which will not improve until all major restrictions are removed. Today we had hoped to hear something definite on this. Instead, businesses burdened with expensive short-term debt will continue to struggle, unable to break-even whilst ongoing and seemingly endless restrictions continue.
“Again, today’s announcement had nothing on financial support for Scotland’s hospitality businesses which are now set to fall further behind businesses in England. UKHospitality Scotland will continue to press the Scottish Government on this crucial point. A new package of support can make the difference between survival and closure for some businesses.”
She also expressed concerns about the uncertainty of long Covid, the fact the Delta variant was holding back NHS recovery and causing a backlog of non-coved care, and not being complacent about the number of young people getting the virus.
Nicola Sturgeon also reached out to those on the high clinical risk list – 13,000 of which haven’t had both doses of the vaccine – by telling them “we will not abandon you.”
As of 07:30 today, 3,941,571 people have received their first dose of the vaccine, an increase of 7,163 since yesterday, with 10,286 people received second doses of the vaccine yesterday, bringing the total number to 2,903,557.
The first minister said that the progress of the vaccination programme gives us “real hope” and that we are in the last stages of offering first doses to the adult population and confirmed that the vaccination programme is weakening the link between case numbers and severe acute illness.
The daily coronavirus figures show a further 2,529 people have tested positive for Covid-19, which is 11.5% of the tests carried out yesterday, bringing the total number of positive cases in Scotland to 318,566.
There are currently people 506 in hospital, 37 more than yesterday, and 41 people in intensive care, which is one more as yesterday, and there have been four further deaths reported, which brings the total deaths under the daily measurement to 7,761.
Struggling hospitality businesses will be relieved to hear the confirmation from Finance Secretary Kate Forbes (pictured) that the plan for Scotland is still to move to level zero by July 19th, with remaining legal restrictions lifted on August 9th – but people in Scotland will still have to self-isolate if a close contact tests positive for Covid despite UK health secretary Sajid Javid’s announcement that fully vaccinated adults and all children in England won’t have to from 16 August.
Scottish Hospitality Group spokesperson Stephen Montgomery has long been calling for the Scottish government to overhaul the test and trace
system and he thinks it should now follow the UK government’s lead.
He said, “We need to mirror the approach taken by the UK Government for our colleagues in England for those who have had the double jab, and look at a better system for our younger team members who will be the last to be vaccinated.
“The Scottish Hospitality Group would absolutely call for a “Test and Release” or “Test negative, work safely” type system to eliminate the already catastrophic effect that the current system has of “pinging” staff who are not necessarily a close contact, leaving the business with no option but to close without any support.
“We do not have a cupboard full of staff we can magic up just to replace those who either test positive, or who are forced to isolate. Of course, safety has, and will always remain to be our priority, and we need to be mindful of the positive cases here in Scotland, however hospitalisation at the moment remains low, and we hope that this will continue, and the vaccine will indeed lead us back to a normal way of life”
Kate Forbes also said the data would be closely monitored, after it was revealed that Scotland has the highest Covid rates in Europe, according to the World Health Organization.
The wearing of face masks will remain in Scotland despite UK Prime minister Boris Johnson also confirmed that face masks will no longer be
legally required and distancing rules will be scrapped. when most of England’s Covid restrictions end on July 19th.
Glasgow’s Euro 2020 fan zone is to open as planned today without temperature checks or mass testing after yesterday’s talks between Health Secretary Humza Yousaf, clinical advisers and Glasgow City Council after opposition MSPs called for further Covid measures – and despite fears from hospitality businesses that it could send the city hurtling back into level three restrictions.
Up to 6,000 people a day, split into two sessions, will gather in the fan zone in Glasgow Green to watch matches on every day of the tournament, social-distancing will be enforced and alcohol can only be purchased via table service.
Following the meeting, Humza Yousaf said every ticket holder would be asked – but not obliged – to use lateral flow testing kit and detailed the measures implemented to keep the event safe.
He said, “Planning has been meticulous to minimise the risks of transmission. The venue is outdoors with capacity for more than 25 times the number of tickets for each session, allowing for ample physical distancing.
“In addition, there are comprehensive stewarding, cleaning and contact tracing provisions in place and everyone attending will also be asked to take up the offer of twice weekly rapid lateral flow testing.”
The cabinet secretary said that the situation would be monitored continually during the tournament and revealed he had set up a review team – made up of the government, city council and local public health staff – to provide continuous advice on the ability of the fan zone to operate safely.
Murdo Fraser, the Scottish Conservative spokesperson for Covid recovery, told BBC Radio Scotland, “It’s absolute nonsense to allow up to 6,000 football fans to gather in the open air in Glasgow for one event, and not allow parents throughout Scotland to attend their school sport days in the open air, providing they’re doing so in a socially distanced and responsible manner, because the risk of infection from that must be lower than from this event in Glasgow.”