Fife pubs and clubs failing to comply with Covid-19 guidance are risking the long-term future of the region’s entire industry.
Fife Licensed Trade Association (FLTA) held a meeting with Dunfermline and West Fife MP Douglas Chapman this week to discuss the situation.
Board members revealed some bars in Fife have been flouting social distancing measures or not recording customer details .
It is now compulsory for the hospitality sector to take information for the Test and Protect system but there are concerns over the lack of compliance so far.
Mr Chapman said: “I am very concerned at their anecdotal evidence of premises in my constituency of Dunfermline and West Fife and across the Kingdom who are not complying.
“We held our meeting in the Monarch Bar on James Street in Dunfermline and I was very impressed by the measures the owners have in place there.
“As soon as I entered the pub, I was encouraged to wash my hands, was given a temperature check and was asked for my details for Test and Protect.
“This is the high standard other premises should follow. Anyone who isn’t is letting the side down and risks a local lockdown similar to the one we are currently seeing in Aberdeen and I would hate to see local businesses shut down due to the irresponsibility of a few.”
The financial pressure placed on pubs, bars and restaurants was also raised with the MP, with landlords concerned they will not be able to sustain their business without tailored government support while social distancing measures remain in place.
Some premises are currently taking in around a third of what they would normally due to restrictions on customer numbers and are calling for a support package similar to that announced for hotels.
Mr Chapman said: “We need to see an extension of the furlough scheme as small, independent pubs are facing the real possibility of having to lay off their staff once the Job Retention Scheme comes to an end.
“We must also see a tailored support package for pubs because they have not been able to take advantage of schemes such as Eat Out to Help Out because they do not serve food.”
The FLTA’s Jeff Ellis said: “Given the situation in Aberdeen, we are really upset to find all pubs being tarred with the same brush.
“The majority of us are doing it right and if you go into one of the few who are not turn around and leave.”
