Row over covid restaurant rules in East Dunbartonshire

Councillor Andrew Polson, who serves in Bearsden South, says the rules affecting the central belt and East Dunbartonshire in particular are “as clear as mud”, and that local businesses are trying to deal with a “shambles” due to their premises being closed down.

He added: “The current situation for local cafes and restaurants is not only ridiculous but is a worrying threat to their very existence.

“I have had a number of calls from cafe and restaurant bosses in our area who have been forced to shut at short notice. In some cases well established delis, without an alcohol licence or even a kitchen, whose only issue was they opened until 8pm instead of 6pm, have been told to shut their doors!”

Councillor Polson is also the Conservative joint group leader at COSLA and says he will raise the problems with Scottish Government guidance at a meeting next week.

He will also call for more vital support for local businesses and to address the new restrictions with local licensing officers.

He added: “The SNP’s guidance has confused university students, mum and baby groups, and now restaurants and cafes. Once again, it’s as clear as mud.

“The hospitality industry has faced the chaos of having to close on a moment’s notice. There is confusion across the country about which cafes and restaurants can remain open and given that its likely that the restrictions will be extended beyond October 26, this turmoil cannot continue.

“The SNP need to urgently outline what financial support is available to safe guard jobs and keep businesses afloat.”

East Dunbartonshire SNP leader and Bishopbriggs South representative Councillor Gordan Low said: “I am disappointed Councillor Polson seems determined to make political capital from the pandemic.

“As joint leader of the council he is well aware that it is the council’s Environmental Health Service that’s responsible for categorising local businesses. Perhaps he should look closer to home rather than trying to blame the Scottish Government for the decisions taken by his own council.”

Strathkelvin and  Bearsden MSP Rona Mackay added: “It is concerning to see Councillor Polson clearly has difficulty understanding Scottish Government guidance, but the public can see through this crass attempt to politicise such a serious situation six months before an election.

“He must surely realise that decisions have to be based on evidential clinical guidance designed to keep people safe and reduce the rate of infection, which is once again rising in East Dunbartonshire.

“If there are problems with how the guidance is being implemented, Councillor Polson should start asking questions of his own administration.”