Following the announcement from the Scottish Government that specific businesses can start to reopen from 29th June as part of phase 2, Argyll and Bute Council is working with local businesses to offer guidance and support, on the steps they need to take to keep themselves, employees and the public safe.

This builds on the work by environmental health and trading standards who have been carrying out new enforcement responsibilities to prevent the spread of COVID in businesses.

Councillor David Kinniburgh, Policy Lead for Planning, Protective Services, and Licensing (PPSL), said:

“Opening businesses is a vital part in the road to recovery for Argyll and Bute. There is no doubt the pandemic has impacted the local economy. We know that many people want local shops, restaurants, cafes and licensed premises to reopen but it is essential we do this safely.

We want to reassure people that we are working with businesses to give them help and support about how best to adapt their business in order to open up safely, however we also want to reassure the public that businesses who cannot meet the physical distancing measures will unfortunately not be permitted to open at this time.

There is a willingness to work together to kick start the economy again and we need to welcome back our local traders to help them and our communities heal the impact of COVID-19.”

The council is signposting business to national sectoral guides but have published specific guidance on measures to help

  *   Queuing outside premises

  *   The use of seating areas

  *   Restrictions on pavements

  *   Safe physical distancing measures

A series of posters to help businesses operate safely is now available on the council’s website https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/coronavirus/easing-lockdown-town-centres<http://track.vuelio.uk.com/z.z?l=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXJneWxsLWJ1dGUuZ292LnVrL2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzL2Vhc2luZy1sb2NrZG93bi10b3duLWNlbnRyZXM%3d&r=12865345964&d=11746676&p=1&t=h&h=6b3c216a6a9b1f3dba36a18d416aebe7>
They include:

  *   Signage to help physical distancing

  *   Hygiene guidance

 For more information visit https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/coronavirus/easing-lockdown-town-centres<http://track.vuelio.uk.com/z.z?l=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXJneWxsLWJ1dGUuZ292LnVrL2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzL2Vhc2luZy1sb2NrZG93bi10b3duLWNlbnRyZXM%3d&r=12865345964&d=11746676&p=2&t=h&h=6b3c216a6a9b1f3dba36a18d416aebe7>.