An East Kilbride landlord is calling for more financial support for the battered hospitality industry – fearing the Boxing Day lockdown could spell the end for many.
Paul Jardine who runs the Village Inn told the News he, along with pubs and restaurants across the town, are hanging on “by a thread”.
And he has called for a level playing field questioning why large retail chains are allowed to have hundreds queuing and swarming into stores while his doors have remained firmly shut.
Paul told the News : “ When you add it all up we will have lost nearly a year of sales - we are hanging on by a thread – and we are a successful business and in a good position before this.
“There were others who were struggling before this and who will simply not open their doors again.
“I am in a catch 22 as no matter what tier we are in it doesn’t pay me to open. Whether that’s tier 3 or lower.
“On top of that, December is what gets hospitality through January, February and even March to an extent and we just won’t have that.
“I really feel for restaurants as I see no reason why they can’t open safely.
“My staff have been on furlough which is something and there are grants but in all honesty they barely cover you.
“I still have all my overheads and bills to pay with no turnover.
“I think the grants need to be more substantial and they need to get the vaccine rolled out urgently – that’s the only way I can open my doors again, when most people are vaccinated.”
Paul said that he does believe action is needed to suppress the virus.
“Financially it’s not good for any of us but those in charge need to do something to wipe out this virus, so restrictions are needed,” he added.
“But they need to have a level playing field. How could thousands swarm into stores and stand in huge queues for Primark or other large chains in the run up to Christmas with no track and trace but people like me can’t open?
“If they are going to close things it needs to be everything - we all have to be in this together. It’s the only way to move forward.”
