CEO of the Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SBPA) has reacted to the First Minister’s statement this afternnon
Emma McClarkin said, “This is another a bitter blow to Scotland’s pubs.The advice to cancel Christmas parties last week already devastated the sector and these further restrictions effectively create lockdown by the backdoor.
“Pubs needed all the trade they could get this Christmas after taking on significant debts during the pandemic and without furlough support to fall back on, it is very worrying for businesses and staff.
“It is welcome that our calls for financial support have been listened to, by both the Scottish Government and the Treasury. It is critical that the amount of funding for individual businesses is confirmed and distributed to them as soon as possible. We have had discussions with the Cabinet Secretary for Finance following the statement and welcome her commitments on this.
“It is also critical that full details of the restrictions are published imminently, so businesses can understand and plan for their enforcement. Covid isolation rules are also having an impact on business viability, and we will also be raising this with Government in discussions over the next few days.”