PUBS and restaurants across East Renfrewshire face a struggle to survive after being told to bring forward last orders in a bid to halt the spread of coronavirus. 

The curfew – announced yesterday by the Scottish Government as part of tougher lockdown restrictions – comes into force on Friday.

However, while many within the hospitality industry agree action must be taken to prevent a surge in Covid-19 cases, there are fears some local businesses will close down.

East Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce said it is “gravely concerned” about the impact more restrictions will have on jobs and businesses.

Laura Molloy, Chamber president, told the Barrhead News: “Public health is the number one priority but this must be balanced with the social and economic impact that jobs losses have on lives, homes and the economy.

“There are currently over 11,500 people living in East Renfrewshire on furlough. With this due to end in a matter of weeks, we call on the Scottish Government to provide a co-ordinated approach to lockdown support, with extension to the furlough scheme an obvious first response.”

A ban on meeting other people in their homes that was introduced in East Renfrewshire earlier this month has now been extended to the whole of Scotland.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the Scottish Government is determined to keep schools open, resume as many health services as possible and protect jobs.

She told MSPs that Covid-19 must be suppressed to ensure these priorities are met – meaning restrictions in other parts of everyday life will be necessary.

Ms Sturgeon added: “The measures I am announcing today are tough but they do not represent a full-scale lockdown of the kind imposed in March.

“Indeed, today’s measures are an attempt to avoid another lockdown.”

She also said the Scottish Government is seeking to strike a balance between reducing the spread of the virus and safeguarding jobs in the hospitality industry.

Ms Sturgeon added: “This decision today means we can reduce the amount of time people are able to spend in licensed premises, thereby curtailing the spread of the virus while still allowing businesses to trade and provide jobs.”