Hospitality businesses in level 4 regions have been forced to close, while restrictions in levels 2 and 3 effectively imposes venue closures.

A recent YouGov poll revealed the British public find it easier to socially distance in hospitality premises, compared to other public settings.

The letter calls for the Scottish Government to prioritise:

• A responsive review of levels and restrictions, with levels reviewed weekly in December.
• Adequate financial support to cover closure costs and restriction compliance, to avoid mass closures and job losses.
• Delivering a route to revival by extending the business rate waiver and VAT cut across 2021/2022.

Willie Macleod, UKHospitality executive director for Scotland, commented: “The restrictions being imposed upon hospitality businesses in Scotland are unfair, unjustified and squeezing the remaining life out of our sector.

“There’s no credible evidence that hospitality is a leading culprit in Covid transmission. Businesses have poured money into venues to make them safe and, overwhelmingly, the public feels confident in the steps that they have taken.

“Our sector wants to be at the heart of the Scottish Government’s plans to tackle Covid, by supporting communities socially and economically. Businesses can only do that if they are allowed the flexibility they need to survive.”

If you are interested in reading the full letter, click on the document below: