Scottish pubs code approved
Scotland is to have its own dedicated ‘pubs code’ governing the relationship between pub companies and tied tenants after legislation was approved in the Scottish Parliament.
Mixed response to reopening details
Today's announcements on the easing of lockdown restrictions and planned reopening of the hospitality sector have been met with a mixed response from trade groups and operators.
Hospitality to begin to reopen from 26th April
Hospitality businesses are expected to be allowed to start reopening from 26th April, when venues will be permitted to serve alcohol in outdoor areas until 10pm and food and non-alcoholic drinks indoors until 8pm.
Scottish trade groups call for levels rethink
Scottish trade groups have submitted an alternative reopening plan for the sector which they say could save more than 60,000 jobs and contribute over £1.2 billion to the economy.
Scottish Government says £533m paid to businesses since November
The Scottish Government has said that over half a billion pounds of funding was paid to businesses through various grant schemes between November and late February.
No ‘sectoral evidence’ behind hospitality restrictions
The Scottish Hospitality Group claims a recent FOI response shows there is “no specific evidence” to justify the trading restrictions imposed on the hospitality sector.
Clarity needed for hospitality following UK Budget
Trade groups and operators have called for more support and greater clarity from both the UK and Scottish Governments in the wake of the UK Budget.
Furlough extended and lower VAT rate retained
The Coronavirus Job Retention (furlough) scheme is to be extended until the end of September, chancellor Rishi Sunak confirmed in the Budget today (3rd March).
Levels announcement ‘disappointing’ for hospitality
Trade groups have said that a return to the levels system of coronavirus restrictions will mean trading is unrealistic for many businesses.
Return to levels system from 26th April
Bars and restaurants across Scotland could be allowed to start reopening from 26th April – but it will be under coronavirus levels restrictions, first minister Nicola Sturgeon has said.
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Niall Hassard
Andrew Dowson
Neil Morrison
Luke Richardson
