A BORDERS takeaway owner has described the new coronavirus lockdown rules announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon as “very difficult”.
The Borders has been placed under tighter coronavirus restrictions – along with the rest of mainland Scotland.
Ms Sturgeon announced on Wednesday that new rules would be introduced from Saturday (January 16), with Scotland still in an “extremely serious” position.
The new restrictions include a ban on non-essential click and collect retail services, and on drinking in public places.
Speaking to parliament, Ms Sturgeon said: “We must continue to do everything possible to reduce case numbers – this is essential to relieve the pressure on our NHS and to save lives.
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“Both individually and collectively, these additional measures – in further reducing the interactions that allow the virus to spread – will help our essential efforts to suppress it.”
The restrictions – in force from tomorrow – include a hardened stance on working from home, which the Scottish Government says should be the “default position” for everyone.
Takeaways will also be affected by the tightening of lockdown measures, with no-one allowed to enter the premises when placing or collecting an order.
Food orders must be given to customers through a hatch or doorway as the government cracks down on unnecessary contact.
Speaking about the new restrictions, Abdul Rahim, who owns Peebles takeaway The Prince of India, said: “This is a very difficult time now for businesses. I’ve got to pay for electricity and gas, I’ve got expenses still and there’s not enough [business].
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“No matter what restrictions they do, we have to respect that this is for us,” the 54-year-old said.
“This time [is] very hard just now to operate [but] we need to save lives. This is a very difficult situation just now.”
Mr Rahim added that he believes the new measures will “definitely” reduce the amount of customers he gets.
In a press release issued today (January 15), Borders MSP Rachael Hamilton called for “clearer guidance” on what the rules are for takeaways.
“Throughout the pandemic, the SNP has come up with new restrictions, and the plight of the business owner is always an after-thought.
“Many small businesses have adapted to make their premises Covid-safe.
“Now Borders’ businesses have got in touch wondering how on earth they adapt their business further for these new restrictions coming in on Saturday.
“We need to see the scientific evidence for these decisions, clearer guidance has to be published, and it cannot be a case of rules for rules’ sake.
“They’ve left guidance and grants to the last-minute, leaving businesses struggling to understand if and how they can operate.
“The SNP government’s own figures show that only £6 million has gone to businesses from the funds announced since November, with only 7 out of 30 schemes currently delivering funding.”
Speaking at First Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, Ms Sturgeon said that although the new measures sound “technical and minor”, they will help suppress the spread of the virus.
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Regarding the takeaway measures, she said: “Customers will no longer be permitted to go inside to collect takeaway food or coffee. Any outlet wishing to offer takeaway will have to do so from a serving hatch or doorway.
“That is to reduce the risk of customers coming into contact indoors with each other or with staff.”
Speaking about the new restrictions more generally, Ms Sturgeon added: “I know that none of this makes for enjoyable listening. If it is any comfort, although I do not expect that it will be, it gives me no pleasure to be talking about further restrictions on businesses and on our individual freedoms to come and go as we please.
“Please know that we would not be doing any of this if we did not believe it to be essential in order to get and keep this potentially deadly virus under control.
“Case numbers are still so high, and the new variant is so infectious, that we must be as tough and as effective as we possibly can be to stop it spreading.
“That means taking further steps to stop people from meeting and interacting, indoors and also outdoors. Today’s measures will help us to achieve that. They are a regrettable but necessary means to an end.”
Council leader Shona Haslam said: “These new restrictions are designed to make sure we all stay at home and reduce our contact with other people as much as possible, which is exactly what we need to do just now.
“In terms of the changes to takeaways and click and collect services, the council will work with local businesses to ensure they are aware of the new measures and that they follow this guidance.
“I thank all businesses for their co-operation and understand any frustration they may have just now but I believe we can get through this difficult time together.”
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