Scottish Government said measures currently being prepared in consultation with hospitality industry, unions and regulatory bodies
GUIDANCE for hospitality businesses to reopen following the coronavirus closure is to be published “as soon as possible”, the Scottish Government has said.
SLTN understands draft guidance on the measures operators will have to implement in order to reopen has been issued to trade groups for consultation.
When contacted by SLTN, the Scottish Government said it was unable to confirm when the guidance will be published but that it would be “as soon as possible”. It has previously indicated guidance would be published by June 18 – the date slated for the next Scottish Government review of the lockdown restrictions when it may seek to move to phase two of its ‘route map’, which would then enable outdoor areas to open.
A spokesman for the Scottish Government said: “Scotland’s hospitality sector has been hit hard by this pandemic and we do not underestimate the crisis this has created. It is essential however that reopening of the sector is phased and gradual in order to ensure the protection of public health.
“Guidance for the sector is currently being prepared in consultation with industry, unions and regulatory bodies. There is no confirmed date yet for publication but we will do so as soon as possible.
“In addition we are carefully considering how best to plan for the restart and long-term recovery of Scotland’s hospitality industry and we will also be inviting the Scottish licensed trade and hospitality industry to be a key partner in those discussions.
“No one wants this to go on any longer than is needed to protect people from the spread of the virus, and the timeline for further changes to restrictions will be based on the best scientific evidence available.
“We will continue to work with the industry on recovery and with partners across the public and private sector to ensure a strong return of Scotland’s hospitality sector.”
