CHECKOUT As we went to press Scotland’s First Minister revealed that Scotland is moving to Level 0. But she made some modifications - licensing times are restricted to midnight in hospitality no matter what your local licensings rules are. She explained her decision by saying that ‘hospitality was still risky.’ The number of guests allowed at weddings and funerals is now 200. Outside hospitality can serve 15 people from 15 households and inside 8 people from four households, but the 1m social distancing rule remains between groups. The need to self-isolate for close contacts which has been a huge issue for hospitality, is now not applicable for those that have been double vaccinated, as long as it has been two weeks since their dose. A negative PCR test is also required. She told parliament that a ‘gradual approach stands the best chance of being sustainable.” I sincerely hope it is ‘sustainable’ and that the 9th of August will see all further restrictions lift. According to recent research hospitality vacancies have risen by 73%, and 33% of people felt that roles in hospitality offered little progression. We all know that is just not the case. That’s why I was delighted to see the new campaign by the Scottish Government encouraging people into hospitality and tourism employment. However it strikes me that it is not just potential employees that need to be educated about the industry, the Scottish government too needs to learn a lot more about how it operates. One thing the pandemic has thrown is the lack of knowledge that ministers have regarding hospitality. It is time for a Hospitality Minister. Who would you like to see take the role on?
Sustainability is certainly going to be a challenge for hospitality going forward. But there is funding out there, but as Nicola Young explained it’s not always easy accessing it, but once you do it is worth the effort. Here’s hoping the Scottish Government is going to release some funds for replacing entire heating systems for hotels, but that’s what is on the agenda for those who don’t currently use biomass boilers or indeed heat pumps.
upholstery and curtain specialists
We are an established specialist in upholstery and curtains. Whether commercial or private, every project we undertake is completed to our uncompromising high standards. Unit 1, Lochlands Business Park Larbert, Stirlingshire, FK5 3NS Phone: 01324 563903 Email: info@lecsupholstery.org.uk
HERS S WAS • GLAS ERS WASH • DISH ES IN H AC • ICE M LERS O O C E L • BOT T
Suppliers of Glass Washers, Dishwashers, Ice Making Machines & Bottle Coolers.
Talking of Sustainability - if you have embraced it why not enter the Stolichnaya Award for Sustainability at this year’s Scottish Bar and Pub Awards run by our sister magazine DRAM. There
I see that itison is going to trial a four-day week and some people I have been talking to in hospitality recently have revealed that they have Chefs on four-day weeks too, in an effort to keep them. It will be interesting to see how this pans out. I would quite like a four-day week too, but I like most of you am a business owner, and that is very unlikely! 34 • HOTELSCOTLAND
46 Dalsholm Road Glasgow G20 0TB. Tel: 0141 946 0444
www.simsautomatics.co.uk
