Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Tourism
Fergus Ewing MSP

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T : 0300 244 4000
E : scottish.ministers@gov.scot

Michael Kill
michael@ntia.co.uk

Our Reference: 202000076185
Your Reference: Scottish Night time Economy
19 August 2020
Dear Michael,
Thank you for your email of 17 August 2020, in which you have raised very real concerns around
potential significant closures and job losses in the Scottish night time economy due to this desperate
situation brought about by COVID 19. As this issue falls within my portfolio I am happy to respond.
Can I say firstly, I know that this continues to be an extremely challenging and worrying time for many,
many people in the tourism industry across Scotland of which inside hospitality is an integral part and
who have been affected badly by the pandemic.
In our assessment of the status of the pandemic, based on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer, we
judge that we do not yet meet the criteria for progressing to Phase 4 of our Route Map, where the virus
will cease to be a significant threat to public health in Scotland, and that it is likely that we will continue
to proceed through Phase 3 for some time to come.
At the 30 July review the First Minister announced further indicative dates for the re-opening of some
businesses. Unfortunately we are not yet able to confirm any dates for the re-opening of nightclubs. As
in Phase 2, we are introducing the changes over Phase 3 in stages. It is important to recognise that
some important restrictions and public health measures will remain in place throughout Phase 3 to
help to keep us safe, protect others and save lives.
It will not, and should not, feel like a return to normal life yet. We understand how difficult this situation is
for those sectors and activities that are still waiting for the date when they can resume. It is important
not to undermine the sacrifices and progress that we have all made so far by making the remaining
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 changes too early.
You may be aware, The Scottish Government has provided a package support worth over £2.3 billion
to date, to support businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and I will continue to review
schemes to ensure we help as many businesses as possible, during this unprecedented time.
I have listened to businesses and, in response to this feedback, our support was recently extended to
provide a further £145 million in business grant funding and I am aware that not all business were able
to take advantage of this and fell through the cracks.
We are encouraging businesses to check https://findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/ for the latest
information on funding opportunities.
I will continue to engage with businesses on a regular basis to understand their needs and to press the
UK Government to deliver for them.
Yours sincerely,

FERGUS EWING

Scottish Ministers, special advisers and the Permanent Secretary are covered by the terms of the Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016. See
www.lobbying.scot

St Andrew's House, Regent Road, Edinburgh EH1 3DG
www.gov.scot