UKH Scotland calls for gov to ‘stick with’ reopening plan

UKHospitality (UKH) Scotland is calling on the Scottish government to “stick with” its current reopening plan.

Following the UK government’s announcement of a four-week delay to the removal of all Covid-19 restrictions, the trade association is urging the Scottish government to not follow suit.

Currently, the Scottish government’s timeframe in its Strategic Framework to reopen the country is set to move Scotland to Level 0 by 28 June 2021.

Leon Thompson, the executive director of UKH Scotland, said: “It is vital that the Scottish Government understands how important it is to achieve Level 0 by the date of 28 June. Progress to remove restrictions will help hospitality businesses continue to move to improved trading and back towards viability.

“This week the first minister must provide a clear and certain message that Scotland is still on track to reach Level 0 by 28 June. This will provide confidence to a sector that has borne the economic brunt of the pandemic.”

He added: “Many businesses remain closed at Level 2 and others, including night clubs, will not even be able to open at Level 0. UKHospitality Scotland is also calling for an announcement on the details on what life will look like after Level 0, as well as the review of physical distancing that had been promised for 7 June.”

Thompson said: “Level 0 is not the end and there will still be significant restrictions on hospitality. Without details of what happens after Level 0 and the physical distancing review, businesses cannot begin to plan for the future.