A Dundee hotel boss says his business will lose up to £30,000 this festive season after the First Minister asked people to cancel Christmas parties.
Taypark House in Dundee faced 100 cancellations in just 24 hours after the plea, which came due to rising coronavirus cases.
During Nicola Sturgeon’s coronavirus briefing on Friday, the First Minister echoed the advice from Public Health Scotland that people should cancel or postpone any upcoming Christmas parties amid fears over the new Omicron variant.
Since that announcement from Public Health on Thursday, a number of business across Tayside have seen a flood of cancellations made for over the festive period.
‘People will go under’
Glenn Roach, owner of Taypark House hotel in Dundee, said his business has had around 100 cancellations in 24 hours since the announcement and is in disbelief at the lack of financial support being offered as a result.
Glenn said: “For them to do this without any announcement of financial help is probably criminal, that’s the way I’d describe it.
“This isn’t just about me – this is about the wider industry, people will go under after this announcement.”
He added: “December props up January, February and March and we all know that’s the toughest time in hospitality.
“It happened last year and we forgave that, we actually supported last year’s lockdown.
“This time it’s different, the landscape is different.”
Glenn said the hotel on Perth road has hired extra staff who are fully vaccinated to support the business over what should have been a busy festive period.
But now his employees are worried they won’t get shifts to pay for their own Christmas.
‘They’ve lost my trust’
Glenn pointed out that rules around visiting bars and restaurants have not changed and the statement is advice only.
“I’m not breaking a single law, not breaking one guidance rule,” Glenn said.
“We as a business have been trying our best and encouraging everyone who comes to our parties to have a negative lateral flow tests, what more can we do?
“Whatever happens from now, I will fight against it, I will stay open in a lockdown.
“They’ve lost my trust, from someone who supported them.
“I think the damage is already done, they could lock us down right now but they’ve already knocked off £20,000 to £30,000 off our budget.”
Businesses are ‘on the brink’
Tahir Ramzan, owner of Casa in Dundee, said the bar has had around 30 to 40 people cancel since the announcement was made.
“I think it’s wrong and it’s quite clear, especially with what we’ve been seeing in the news now, is that even the government aren’t following the rules,” Tahir said.
He added: “It has been very difficult all the way through and just as we think that things are getting better, they’re now scaring everyone again.
“It’s putting a lot of business on the brink, it’s just a worrying time and there’s no reason for it.
“It’s also not good for staffing because people won’t see hospitality as a guaranteed place of employment if businesses are opening and closing.
“We’ve got staff that are extremely worried because they don’t know if they’re going to be able to pay rent or not.”
‘Devastating’
Christian Cojocaru, owner of Cridos restaurant in Perth said he does not know if his business will survive the latest blow.
“We started the month of December with lot of bookings and since last night alone we have had more than 10 cancellations at least and we anticipate there will be more,” Christian said.
“These are large cancellations so this is going to have a devastating effect on our business, I am concerned about survival to be honest.
‘We have no control’
“We have no control and there is nothing that we can do – there are no grants, and no furlough so it is very worrying to us.
“We don’t want to close, but it’s a scary thought. This is going to have an awful effect on everybody. This place means a lot to me and I am going to fight for the staff and the stock.”
Some establishments have not yet seen major cancellations following the announcement, but there are concerns the situation could worsen.
Ashley Watson, general manager of Brewdog Perth, on George street said: “We definitely are seeing cancellations but not that many.
“As a whole, our bookings are down compared to two years ago and that is to be expected unfortunately.
“We are already operating at half capacity so it is worrying.
“We can’t predict the future and only time will tell what toll this takes on the industry, it’s a shame really.”
‘Unfairly targeted’
Mark Stuart, chairman of the Perth licensing forum, said the latest advice is a “massive blow” for the hospitality sector.
“I feel we have been unfairly targeted,” he added.
“If hospitality has to shut, then surely other places should too.
“It’s frustrating for the industry because it has been a hard enough 18 months as it is, and it’s just one more thing to worry about.
“The people that we have been seeing coming out have been really cautious, and I think that’s good, but it’s a blow regardless.”
First Minister’s update
Nicola Sturgeon said in Friday’s update she is considering how to support affected businesses.
“There is a significant risk with Omicron – and we are already seeing the reality of it – of Christmas parties or events with lots of people becoming super-spreaders.
“The public health advice – which I have no alternative but to agree with- is that we should all think a bit more carefully about unnecessary contacts, especially in crowded places just now and that it would be sensible to defer work Christmas parties.”
She added: “I know this has a big impact on businesses which is why we are considering – and pressing the UK government – on financial support. But once again we face a situation that frankly has no easy options.”
When approached for comment, the Scottish Government said they had nothing further to add to the First Minister’s announcement.
Has your business been affected by cancellations? Let us know below.
