Scarborough Council issues guidance to businesses as 'tourism restarts' this weekend

From Saturday July 4, hospitality businesses such as restaurants, cafés, bars, pubs, hotels and other guest accommodation will be allowed to reopen, but they must be Covid-19 secure before they do.

The council has developed two checklist-style guidance documents, which include information on practical measures businesses can take to ensure they are secure and can welcome customers safely.

One is aimed at restaurants, cafés, bars, pubs and takeaways; the other is for guest accommodation such as hotels, B&Bs, guest houses, pubs with rooms, holiday parks, self-catering, caravan and camping sites and hostels.

Both documents have been issued to hospitality businesses throughout the borough.

They can also be accessed via the Support for Businesses section at scarborough.gov.uk/coronavirus along with artwork that businesses can download to use for signs in their own premises.

Many businesses throughout the borough have been busy getting ready to open this weekend, altering their premises and changing how they operate so they are Covid-19 secure.

Particular attention is being given to social distancing and enhanced hygiene measures.

Other businesses have opted for a watch and learn approach, choosing to get a clearer perspective of the public’s appetite for venturing out and interacting with the hospitality sector before reopening their doors.

Cllr Liz Colling, Scarborough Council cabinet member for Inclusive Growth, said: “This weekend will be a huge step forward for many of the borough’s hospitality businesses and the restart of the tourism economy we’ve been so desperately waiting for.

“For most businesses it will be the first time they have opened since the coronavirus restrictions began. For others that usually operate in the spring and summer seasons, it will be the first time they have opened this year.

“We’ve been doing all we can to ensure business owners and their staff have the practical support required to reopen with confidence. Even so, they will be reopening in very different circumstances and they’re likely to feel excited, relieved and apprehensive at the same time, which is completely understandable.

“Our borough prides itself on being resilient and I would like to say how proud I am of all businesses for their determination to tackle the challenges head-on and kick start their recovery.

"We are determined to work together to be a coronavirus-safe destination and build back our economy better in the months ahead.”

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