Headline

The number of licensed premises in Scotland remained reasonably steady in the first year of the pandemic, but the number of personal licences dropped by over 5000, according to new statistics published by the Scottish Government.

Confirmation that the legal requirement to wear face coverings in most indoor public spaces will become guidance from 18th April has been welcomed by the hospitality industry.

Shelve plans for a tourist tax, help promote hospitality careers in schools and colleges, and streamline the planning process to support business growth – those are among the key ‘asks’ of trade group UK Hospitality Scotland ahead of the Scottish local elections on 5th May.

It is “vital” that Scottish business owners participate in a new Scottish Government consultation on mandatory calorie labelling, says trade group UK Hospitality.

Operators are being reminded to apply via their local authority for the 50% business rates relief available for hospitality businesses for the first three months of the 2022/2023 financial year.

The 2022 SLTN Awards has launched – and the annual search for the brightest stars in Scotland’s hospitality industry is officially underway!

Face coverings will remain a legal requirement in the majority of indoor public spaces until at least 18th April, the first minister has said.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s spring statement was a “missed opportunity” to help hospitality businesses recover from the impact of the pandemic, say trade groups.

Detailed analysis of where almost £5 billion of COVID-19 business support was distributed is not possible due to gaps in data, a report by Audit Scotland has found.

The legal requirement to wear face coverings in indoor settings – including hospitality venues – is to remain in place until at least early April.