Small Fife pubs might struggle to re-open, owner of award-winning bar warns

The Scottish Government started phase one of easing the lockdown two weeks ago, with the next phase allowing pubs and restaurants to open outdoor spaces. Phase three will then allow them to open indoor spaces, with physical distancing and hygiene rules.

However, Steve Latto, who owns The Criterion with wife Hazel, told the Citizen this week that the two-metre rule might mean the pub could only serve 12 customers at a time, and that it would not be able to make a profit.

“We need to protect our customers and our staff and don’t want to make people feel uncomfortable,” he added.

“The big companies will be able to throw money to open safely, but the independents are the ones that might be left behind.”

While phase two allows for outdoor spaces to be opened, The Criterion, which sits on South Street, only has three tables at the moment – and that is before social distancing rules are taken into account.

“The lack of outdoor space could be an issue for a lot of venues,” Steve explained.

“We’d be lucky to get one outside because of the social distancing rules.”

Other measures will also need to be introduced, such as keeping an eye on the toilets to make sure only one customer is going in at a time.

Despite putting staff on furlough and receiving some funding, Steve said lockdown is “starting to cripple”, with the couple still being charged 50 per cent of their usual rent despite being closed.

It will also cost the bar more to reopen because staff will need to be brought off the furlough scheme, despite the limits on customers.

Steve also fears that if a customer receives a positive test for Covid-19, staff will also have to go get tests and the pub will have to shut again.

There is also the challenge of re-opening without the normal levels of students and tourists in the town.

Despite all the setbacks and the challenges, Steve is remaining pragmatic.

“We’re desperate to re-open, but only when it’s safe,” he said. “We look forward to welcoming everyone back.”