Hospitality sector continues to make sacrifices to blunt Covid rise

Commenting on the extension of restrictions on the hospitality industry in Scotland, Dagmar Droogsma, Director of Industry for the Scotch Whisky Association, said:

“Hospitality businesses and their employees are making huge sacrifices to help blunt the rise in Covid-19 cases. They will be disappointed that the temporary restrictions set out two weeks ago have now been extended, with the prospect of the hospitality industry facing continued restrictions when the new tiered approach is announced.

“They need urgent reassurances that the continued closure of businesses and the uncertainly over employment will not be prolonged. Hospitality businesses are among the most highly regulated, and the industry has spent a great deal of time to ensure they are safe for the workforce and consumers.

“Hospitality and tourism sectors are crucial to Scotland’s economy, and the longer restrictions go on – both in restricted opening times and sales - the harder it will be for these businesses to survive or play a full part the in recovery. We need to protect these jobs and provide safe places for people to meet over the months ahead.”

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