HOSPITALITY businesses in Helensburgh can “weather the latest Covid storm” according to one restaurant owner - despite the industry having been dealt a “devastating blow” by the updated safety advice.

Government guidance issued this week urges people to limit social gatherings in the run up to Christmas, with many festive bookings for work and family parties already having been cancelled in response to the rising number of positive cases throughout the country.

Cara Nikolic, who runs La Barca, Padrone Pizzeria and Cattle and Creel - though the latter has been up for sale since March 2020 - with business partner Milan, said the updated guidance has already taken its toll on festive bookings.

She told the Advertiser: “We’re currently assessing the number of bookings lost across our three venues, however we already know that cancellations are running into the hundreds.

“People understandably started cancelling on their own initiative even before the latest guidelines came out and this has just drawn a final line through most people’s Christmas plans.

“We have been here before and we know we can weather the storm, and the news that there will be additional government support is a huge relief.

READ MORE: First Minister asks public to limit mixing before Christmas

“A lot of our bookings have rescheduled for January and February, and we plan to ring around the rest of them to see if we can get them in.

“Hopefully there will be parties - just not in December.”

Vivien Dance, chief executive of the Helensburgh and Lomond Chamber of Commerce, said the latest government advice around social gatherings is a “devastating blow to our hospitality venues”.

She said: “Only a couple of weeks ago we were all hoping for a buoyant lead up to Christmas to allow businesses to benefit financially from the festive season and help tide them over the lean, bleak months at the start of the New Year, but instead they are facing a massive downturn in their takings as groups cancel in response to the fear generated by this new variant.

“Everyone I have spoken to in the last few days has the utmost sympathy for all our local businesses especially after the community has worked so hard to support them and attract commerce to the town.

“Many people are making a determined effort to continue to shop local whilst being even more cautious and following all the safety advice. Well done to all of you.”

READ MORE: Will Scotland enter a circuit breaker lockdown?

In a nationwide TV broadcast on Tuesday night First Minister Nicola Sturgeon warned of a “steep and rapid rise in cases” of the Omicron variant, and said the virus will “inflict untold damage on businesses across Scotland” unless the government acts now.

Imposing a legal requirement on businesses to take reasonable steps to reduce transmission on their premises, Ms Sturgeon said: “We know this is worrying news for business - especially in the hospitality trade, which is being hard hit as people rightly follow advice to defer Christmas parties.

“So today we have put in place a package of financial support to help them.

“And we are making more money available to ensure eligible people can claim isolation payments.

“No one should find themselves unable to afford to do the right thing, to protect themselves and others from Covid.

“The reality, however, is that our resources are limited. The UK Government holds the purse strings, and only they can put in place critical support such as furlough. Alongside the Welsh and Northern Irish governments, we are hoping they will do more.”

Confirming more financial support will be provided, Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: “Throughout this pandemic, the United Kingdom has stood together as one family, and we will continue to do so.”