The leisure sector has re-opened – but with strict rules in place

We have all seen the headlines – “New wave of freedom” and “Staycation stampede” – but there are some less obvious rules which makes this loosening of restrictions not quite the ‘freedom’ some expect. Pubs, cafes, and restaurants were able to re-open from Monday 26 April, however there are strict rules that need to be adhered to, as seen below:

• Table service

Table service must be used with no queuing allowed. This will require changes to the way some businesses operate, including hiring extra staff.

• No meal required

No alcohol can be served indoors for the first 3 weeks; this makes it unsustainable to open for many businesses without a garden. In fact it is reported that 2/3rds of pubs and bars did not open on Monday.

• Test and protect

As with last year, venues will have to collect the details of their customers details. This time there are further enhancements including having to collect all customer not just one per group and asking staff to challenge group they do not believe comply. Although this is to reduce spread and keep bars open, it is just another demand on staff. In an attempt to help with the record keeping, the Scottish Government have released an app called Check in Scotland containing QR code and poster generator which is worth investigating.

• Noise control

This is a new one! In order to play any sort of background music, staff or volunteers have to test the level at which you can talk normally over the sound. This also applies to TV sound levels, especially when showing sport. You must also regularly check when there are more customers or when windows are open etc.

• Cleaning & signage

Hopefully already available from last year but this along with physical distancing greatly reduces the covers available and hence income. There is also the obvious, and not insignificant, cost.

• Travel

Although the travel restriction has been lifted, this is only to meet outdoors and for exercise. This does not extend to visiting hospitality venues even if they are open. This further restricts possible footfall and adds rules for venues to comply with.

• Furnished Holidays Lets

The travel restriction has been lifted but it doesn’t allow for overnight stays. Once this is removed there will still be indoor socialising restrictions. With the boom in staycations, smaller homes should be in for a bumper year but larger homes will be disadvantaged for some time yet.

These strict rules along with the physical distancing, reduced trading times and supply issues makes it a very difficult business to run as ‘normal’. Our EQ Leisure specialists are here to support businesses in any way we can, including advising on investment in equipment to cope with the restrictions, requirements of having employees, investment, restructure or just being a sounding board.

Regardless of the above, the easing of restrictions is a welcome event and it appears that leisure business of all sorts will only have a problem keeping up with demand rather than generating it. We wish all our current and prospective clients in the industry the very best and hope you can all prosper in 2021!

If you’d like to speak to our EQ Leisure team on how these restrictions impact the viability of our business, please email leisure@eqaccountants.co.uk or call one of our offices.