Hospitality Business

We need some idea of what is to be expected. I own an accommodation business and I have no idea when , if or how we will be able to open. We obviously are not taking bookings, but unlike some other businesses we need time in advance to take reservations, as we will not instantly start earning again. We could start to prepare our premises now, knowing that when the time is right we can open. I do not want to jeopardise anyone's health and safety but I am beginning to think the messages are diluted and are now sounding advisory and not an order as such. We need stronger timely guidance.

Why the contribution is important

It is important because businesses like mine in rural areas (and those in urban areas) employ many, many people, and many other businesses are reliant on the chain that begins with accommodation. We need clear guidance asto what to expect as there was a lot of vigilante like activity in the area I operate with people taking it upon themselves " naming and shaming" , people who they judged were flouting the lockdown rules, when in fact they were not.

by Elainey on May 05, 2020 at 07:20PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.0
Based on: 7 votes

Comments

  • Posted by JoeOH May 05, 2020 at 19:27

    Agree totally - the idea that we are being told that the path out of lockdown can’t be forecast seems a bit unbelievable to be honest!

  • Posted by StaceyF May 05, 2020 at 19:43

    I agree and have suggested clear legislation and recognition by the way of accreditation

  • Posted by Stephaniekeachie May 05, 2020 at 21:19

    I totally agree we have a cottage business that is fully booked July August’s and September but i cannot ask these guests to pay their outstanding balances until we know what’s happening with lock down.

    We have blank weeks we could book but we can’t advertise 🤷‍♀️

    The insurance company will cover refunds but not lost bookings so it’s a cost neutral exercise but in the meantime we have no money coming in to pay overheads apart from a £10,000 grant. Which just about covers 1 years overheads for one cottage.

    Self catering is different to some other businesses as they are probably easier to self isolate. Many of our guests are coming on a fishing holiday so they are generally by themselves down the river. But like many businesses we need a bit of notice to start back up and

  • Posted by borderview May 06, 2020 at 13:13

    If a self catering business can show that social distancing for both staff and guests is in place to a high standard, allowing fallow days either side of each booking, possibly keyless entry systems, and properties a good distance apart, then we should be one of the first sectors to open and help the local economy. Travel distance of 2 to 3 hours initially would be fine in Scotland.
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