Paisley hospitality leaders back move to end tough covid rules

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The abolition of covid restrictions in Scotland can't come soon enough, say leaders of Renfrewshire's hard-hit hospitality sector.First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced yesterday that Covid passports, which were mandatory in nightclubs, will be pulled from Monday.The need for wearing face masks in indoor settings will be removed from March 21 as the Scots premier announced on Tuesday that the nation will move away from legal controls in response to the Coronavirus pandemic and look instead to "vaccines, treatments and sensible public health behaviours".Leaders of Renfrewshire's entertainment scene, which was hard hit by pandemic restrictions and mandatory closures, say the move is a welcome one.Tommy McGrory, who runs Paisley's Bungalow music venue, told the Express: "It all helps, it's been a long time coming now but we are on our way back.

We have no worries at the moment, unless something else comes round the corner."But he admitted it had been a tough time for hospitality through the pandemic, saying: "Up until recently, businesses were right up against it.

I know a few that were going to stop about two months ago, they just had no money left and no spirit left either after what's happened."However, he hopes that the latest news will be a boost to the industry, adding: "Things are starting to get back to normal for us and the numbers are creeping up.

We are almost back to normal but some people are still nervous, it's not 100 per cent yet but we are in a better position."Although masks will no longer be mandatory, Government guidance remains that residents are strongly advised to wear them on public transport and in busy environments such as shops.Tommy's hopes have been echoed by night-time entertainments