Business grants for hospitality sector
19 August 2020
A £1 million grant scheme is being launched to support Aberdeen businesses directly affected by the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
It follows an appeal by the Council to the Scottish Government to provide extra support for city businesses hit by local restrictions.
The Scottish Government announced today that measures to contain an outbreak in the city have been extended for at least another seven days.
On August 5 hospitality outlets were closed and residents asked not to meet other households indoors or travel more than 5 miles for leisure or recreational purposes.
The government fund, which will be administered by Aberdeen City Council, will provide grants of up to £1,500 to those most affected and includes £100,000 of discretionary support for sectors not required to close by the regulations but still impacted.
Details of the scheme’s criteria and how to apply are to be published later this week and updates will be availanle on the Council’s website and through our communication channels.
The Scottish Government said today that if the number of infections continues to fall locally, there will be a phased re-opening of non-licensed hospitality premises from Wednesday.
A review is to take place this Sunday, when the government hopes to be able to confirm the relaxation and also set out a timetable for the easing of other restrictions. A further review will take place on August 26.
In preparation for the eventual re-opening of the hospitality sector, the Council will require assessments to be conducted across all relevant establishments.
These establishments include restaurants, bars, cafes and hotels where food is served on the premises.
The Council is asking all hospitality sector businesses to complete an online form to ensure we have the most up to date information and a contact number that is currently in use as it is recognised that different arrangements may be in place whilst premises are closed.
Council Co-Leader Councillor Douglas Lumsden said: “Although today’s decision to extend the restriction period will be disappointing news for many, it is important that we continue to comply with the Scottish Government’s regulations and guidance.”
Council Co-Leader Councillor Jenny Laing said: "The Council fully appreciates the difficult position businesses and residents face but we are bound by the Scottish Government’s decision.
“Hopefully we can move towards a safe lifting of restrictions in the very near future.”
Councillor Marie Boulton added: “We continue to work closely with the hospitality sector and public health colleagues so we quickly reach the point where premises are allowed to reopen.”