Highland hospitality bosses warn new coronavirus restrictions will be 'one more nail in the coffin'
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Dismayed hospitality bosses in Inverness are warning new coronavirus restrictions – which come into effect today – will be the final straw for many struggling businesses.
One leading hotelier said the industry was being killed slowly and softly while several pubs have already taken the decision to temporarily close their doors until later this month.
It follows an array of measures announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, including a 16-day ban on all licensed premises serving alcohol indoors.
In the Highlands, hospitality premises will be allowed to continue operating indoors between 6am and 6pm, serving food and non-alcoholic drinks. Alcohol can only be served outside at licensed premises until 10pm.
Tougher measures have been introduced in the central belt where pubs and restaurants have closed until October 25.
Although the aim is to halt increasing coronavirus rates, many in the city’s hospitality industry have reacted with anger and despair and question whether it will achieve the desired impact.
Pubs which have decided to close temporarily include Number 27 and Botanic House, both in Castle Street, and Hootananny music venue and bar in Church Street, although it will continue its Hoots Munch Box delivery service.
Kit Fraser, owner of Hootananny, said: "It is totally counter-productive.
"What Nicola Sturgeon is doing is like Prohibition. She is driving drink into houses and that is where the virus will spread.
"Where there are 10,000 house parties in Scotland, there will now be 40,000 house parties.
"For us, it is one more nail in the coffin."
Craig MacLeod, of the Innes Bar in Innes Street, will keep his premises open as he has an outside area, but he felt a total closure of licensed premises would have been better.
"There are so many pubs which don’t have an outside space and don’t do food," he said.
"It is very unfair on them."
With the school half-term holiday starting today, there is also uncertainty about how the new measures will impact on the city’s hotel industry.
Emmanuel Moine, chairman of Inverness Hotels Association and manager of the Glen Mhor Hotel, doubted whether people would be booking hotel accommodation.
"We still have to see how the public will react," he said.
"I am glad there is no travel ban. However they are still killing the industry slowly and softly.
"October was the last time of the year, before Christmas, where hotels, bars and restaurant could make money. This won’t happen."
Norman MacDonald, of Café One in Castle Street, described the measures as "disaster".
"We are fortunate," he said. "We have a good business and we will adapt and be creative.
"But there is a challenge there and we will not get to break even."
He said the jobs of his 19 members of staff would be protected but believed it would not be the case elsewhere in the sector.
Bruce MacGregor, owner of MacGregor’s Bar in Academy Street, felt the industry had been lucky to be able to open whereas many musicians had been offered no support or guidance.
"The virus is real and we have to take serious precautions," he said.
"We have been granted special dispensation in the Highlands which reflects our unique situation and there will be support provided by the Scottish Government to help the industry.
"We are fortunate in that we have a good-sized beer garden and we are adapting to doing additional takeaway food and beer for those that enjoy quality craft beers.
"We’ve actually been changing our offering to provide more daytime eating experiences including the afternoon tea and sharing platters as well as a full range of coffees.
"The effects of the pandemic has changed our model for a bustling bar to a welcoming and very safe restaurant."
What do you think about the new restrictions? We’d love to hear from you for our letters page. Email newsdesk@hnmedia.co.uk
Related story: Highland Council issues guidance on definition of outdoor space for licensed premises
