The Highland Council has welcomed clarification from the Scottish Government that hotels are eligible for the Business Restriction Grant.
As hotel restaurants and bars follow the same rules as other restaurants and bars with last entry at 21:30 and closure by 22:30, they have now been included as eligible businesses to receive grant from this scheme.
Councillor Trish Robertson, Chair Economy and Infrastructure Committee explained:
โWe felt that the omission of hotels was unfair and asked the Scottish Government to clarify eligibility.
โThis was received today (Tuesday 24 November 2020) and we now urge hotels to apply for this grant.โ
Paid every four weeks in arrears, grants of ยฃ1,400 or ยฃ2,100 are available dependent on Rateable Value.
To submit an application – hotels and all businesses in the hospitality sector that are legally required to close earlier than normal, should visit the Councilโs website here and follow the guidance provided.
The grant application process is straightforward.
Councillor Robertson added:
โThe first grant payments will be made on 30 November for the first 4-week period since 2 November.
โIf the restrictions apply for another 4 weeks then another grant will be paid automatically.
โIf a business has not yet applied, like hotels, they will still be able to get a grant for the November period.
โSo again, we urge all eligible businesses to take the 15 minutes required to read the guidance, gather the bank and business evidence required and to apply.โ