Curfew will impact on business and staff says landlord

A pub owner in Forres has said the 10pm curfew being introduced throughout Scotland tonight to slow the spread of Covid-19 will hit his trade, just as he brought staff out of furlough.

The curfew, which affects all bars, pubs and restaurants was announced on Monday by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and comes into force today. It follows the same restriction announced by Boris Johnson south of the border, and came into effect yesterday (Thursday).

Gordon Brailsford, landlord of two local bars, the Mosset Tavern and The Red Lion said the latest restrictions will undoubtedly have an impact on his businesses.

“Losing 19 hours of trading over the week at often peak times will not only mean the business misses out on valuable trade when it’s still rebuilding but it also means a loss of hours for team members we’ve brought out of furlough. 

“Without the prospect of a normal Christmas season and combined with the ‘two-household’ rule it’s a very sobering reality that we’re not out of woods.

“We can only hope that there will be further measures and assistance announced to protect our employees.”

Meanwhile a spokesperson at the Ramnee Hotel said most locals have gone home from his bar by 10pm, but he was doubtful it would help in more populated areas.

He said: “It really doesn’t affect us since most guests and locals have gone by 10pm. It will make some difference to the various functions we have listed however.

“Whether the policy makes much difference to city bars, where everybody has been there several hours already, remains to be seen. If people want to drink, they will just go home and drink instead! I am dubious that the hospitality restrictions will make much difference to viral spread to be honest. We all remain a very easy target.”

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