Council launches business guide to support economic recovery
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Highland Council has launched a guide for shops and businesses to help them with their plans to welcome back customers as part of the economic recovery from Covid-19.
Following the national guidance provided by the Scottish Government, the council's document Supporting Economic Recovery in Highland – A Guide for Businesses contains information and advice for shops, leisure facilities and other businesses likely to experience an upsurge in visitor numbers as lockdown restrictions are eased.
Individual shops and business owners and operators will be responsible for controlling and managing access to their premises in accordance with the most up-to-date government guidance on physical distancing.
The Highland guide outlines the steps that businesses and the council are likely to have to make to ensure the safe reopening of premises and sites.
It includes information on managing car-parking and queuing outside premises to comply with physical distancing, licensing information on what is needed if owners of premises want to serve alcohol in an outdoor area, how to apply for a permit to use an outside space that is not part of a premises, what is needed in terms of planning and the erection of temporary structures and how any structures can be used safely.
Environmental health information flags up the need for businesses to ensure that their health and safety risk assessments and food safety management systems are reviewed and updated to include physical distancing, queue control, protection of staff, supervision and public space layout and markings.
Normally planning permission is required to change the use of land where it is proposed to occupy space on a pavement, road, car park or park. In light of the current situation, the guide explains that the council’s planning service will temporarily relax controls and take a reasonable and proportionate approach.
The guide details the process for applying to sell alcohol on a temporary basis from an outside area which is not currently licensed. It also signposts businesses to national guidance and provides links to further information.
The Highland Council leader, Councillor Margaret Davidson, said: “Our local businesses are all busy preparing to open their doors and have been working hard to ensure they are ready to respond to logistical and practical challenges and follow all the necessary guidance.
"Many of them are working closely and thoughtfully with their communities to do all they can to build confidence as we all get out and about more and also to welcome visitors.”
“Key to the success of any changes in how businesses provide their services to the public and maintaining the health and safety of everyone is the ongoing support, understanding and patience of all. I’m sure businesses will find the information in the guide very helpful and I wish them all the very best as they get ready to welcome back customers.”
The chairman of the council’s recovery board, Councillor Alasdair Christie, said: “The economic recovery here in the Highlands starts with our local retail and hospitality businesses and services, so as a council we want to provide as much advice and support as possible.
“Many businesses are going to have to adapt how they operate. For example, a business wishing to use outdoor spaces as a new part of their operations will need to consider how these changes will impact upon their normal practices, as well as the additional control measures required for Covid-19.
“The guide gives clear advice on the necessary licensing and planning requirements as well as what is needed to comply with environmental health regulations and food safety management. It is a very relevant and practical way for the council to be able to provide details to assist businesses get back on their feet safely and successfully, so I encourage businesses to read it and contact us for any further advice or assistance.”
The guide is available on the council’s website. As new guidance becomes available it will be updated.
