BUSINESSES in Glasgow are feeling the pinch this festive season, with some pubs and restaurants taking the difficult decision to keep their close their doors.

The Montford Bar & Kitchen announced their plans to remain closed after Glasgow was moved to level three restrictions, which allow for hospitality venues to open, but prohibit the sale of alcohol.

David Wren, business partner at the King’s Park venue, said: “We took the decision to remain closed during this period because we can’t serve alcohol.

"When 80% of your trade is alcohol compared to 20% which is food, which it the vast majority of pubs, it doesn’t make sense to open. We would be running at a loss by the time we take staff off of furlough, get new stock in and turn our lights on.”

READ MORE: Furlough scheme and coronavirus business support loans extended

The Montford is usually fully booked up to and on Christmas Day and has had to cancel plans after taking the difficult decision to close.

David said: “We were fully booked this year and we had to phone around those who had booked and let them know that we couldn’t open. Not only does it demoralise all of the staff, it also puts our customers out, as they are now trying to find something else for Christmas day.

“We feel unfairly hit by these restrictions, and find it quite insulting that the government doesn’t trust people to even have a glass of wine in the afternoon with their dinner, especially when you look at places like England where you are able to drink as long as you are buying a meal.”

Traditionally ‘Black Friday’ - the last Friday before Christmas Day – has been known to be the most popular day for festive nights out, however restrictions have put an end to this in 2020, with Nicola Sturgeon urging employees to enjoy a “virtual” Christmas party instead.

READ MORE: Covid: Students leave Glasgow ahead of Christmas break

Even for venues remaining open during the Christmas period, including La Bonne Auberge in Glasgow's City Centre, are feeling the hit from the lack of Christmas trade. 

Nicola Taylor, the owner of the West Nile Street restaurant, said: "There's no doubt that the festive restrictions are having a catastrophic impact on restaurateurs operating in the city and beyond.

Glasgow Times: Nicola Taylor, owner of La Bonne Auberge, picture in January 2019.Nicola Taylor, owner of La Bonne Auberge, picture in January 2019.

"Like many in the industry, we rely on the festive period to see us through the winter months. This has truly been a year like no other we have ever known and one which hopefully will never be repeated."

Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: “The hospitality sector greatly relies on the festive period for a disproportionate amount of its annual income. Pre-pandemic, the night-time economy alone supported 16,600 full-time jobs and generated £2.16billion per annum for Glasgow.

“The restrictions in place in the lead up to Christmas will add to the pain that restaurants, bars and clubs, are already suffering, with accommodation, transport and retail also largely impacted by this.”