Greene King – who own two businesses in Inverness – is understood to be planning to 'temporarily' close 79 bars and restaurants in the UK
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A national pub chain is closing 79 bars and restaurants in response to the Covid–19 downturn in trade.
Greene King, has not said which of its 2700 venues it is planning to close, albeit temporarily, but it is understood that 800 jobs are at risk.
It follows the introduction of a 10pm curfew meaning pubs and restaurants have to close doors earlier than usual. The move by the government is designed to curb the spread of coronavirus as cases continue to soar.
Greene King owns two venues in Inverness: Auctioneer's on Church Street and Platform 8 on Academy Street.
It is understood the company are planning to permanently close 25 of its national venues. The company has not said which of its venues it is planning to close.
Around 800 staff are now in consultation with the chain about being made redundant, although the company hope staff can be redeployed.
In a statement, Nick Mackenzie, Greene King's chief executive, said: "The industry is still dealing with the crippling after effects of the nationwide lockdown and the cumulative effect of the new restrictions, combined with the singling out of pubs, mean the measures announced by the chancellor don't go far enough, especially for drink-led city centre pubs.
"With Public Health England figures showing only 5 per cent of all outbreaks are linked to hospitality, it feels like pubs are being unfairly targeted when there is little evidence that they enable the spread of Covid-19."
More to follow.
