PUB bosses in Renfrewshire fear the coronavirus pandemic could call time on their livelihood, despite getting the go-ahead to open their doors to customers again.

Beer gardens have been back in business since July 6, with bars and restaurants able to welcome customers inside from Wednesday, provided they are taking physical distancing and hygiene measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

However, some pub owners have complained the Scottish Government has yet to provide clear guidance about what they need to do in order to keep staff and drinkers safe.

Jamie Robertson, who runs Colliers Bar, in Johnstone, said the advice offered by Holyrood has been “as clear as mud.”

He told The Gazette: “We are going to try and reopen and see how we get on but it’s going to be very hard.

“If the rules were black and white on a list, I would get it done no problem but we don’t know exactly what to believe, so we’re just trying to do it all to the best of our knowledge.

“It’s nerve-racking because we’re now dealing with the unknown.”

There are also concerns about whether pubs will be able to remain in business while physical distancing restrictions stay in place.

Mr Robertson added: “My biggest concern is paying the bills. If I can only let so many people in, I can only make so much money.

“I’ll be doing the night shifts myself every day now, so I’ll be working 70-hour weeks to try and save money.”

Allan Strang, manager at The Black Bull, in Renfrew, said he shared these concerns but believes it is necessary for pubs to reopen.

“I’m worried about whether we will be able to survive with the reduced number of customers on the weekends,” he added.

“We really need to start operating again because this can’t go on forever, especially from a business point of view.”

A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said it has worked with the hospitality industry, trade unions and regulatory bodies on a range of measures to allow pubs to reopen safely.

“We understand capacity is a concern, which is why exemptions are permitted for the hospitality sector to allow a move to one-metre physical distancing,” added the spokesperson.

“To help premises adapt to operate safely at one metre, we have also published a clear list of additional mitigating measures, including no standing at bar areas and a review of layouts.

“Guidance, including on mitigation measures, has been issued and is available on the Scottish Government website.”

Read all the latest from Renfrewshire and beyond

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