Today (21 October) First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced measures brought into effect on 9 October will be continued for another week to curb the spread of COVID-19 throughout Scotland.
These measures included a 6pm curfew for pubs, bars restaurants and cafes and a limit on the sale of alcohol to outdoors only.
More information on a tiered approach to restrictions, which will come into effect on November 2, will be made public later this week.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “The ongoing restrictions in place in Aberdeen continue to have a very real impact on the city centre and our local businesses. All are working tirelessly to ensure they meet every request made and safety standard asked for. There is a feeling of disappointment among them that the 6pm curfew in particular is being continued.
“The implications of pushing back the curfew to 6pm has had a difficult effect on not just on our hospitality businesses, but the wider city centre as a whole in terms of footfall. The scale of the challenge being faced in the heart of our city is huge, and each increase in restrictions further exacerbates it.
“We welcome the fact that funding support will be continued to help those affected by this, but further detail on exactly what this will be needs to be given urgently.
“Aberdeen Inspired strongly supports the tiered approach which reflects local levels and will have different approaches for different areas. It is our hope that this, when announced in due course, will bring greater clarity for all, particularly as we move into a crucial time of year for retail and hospitality and work to build confidence in the city centre.”