The announcement for people to avoid bars and restaurants, but lack of instruction to formally close, will prove a serious challenge to businesses according to Perth publicans.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson declared on Monday that residents should not visit hospitality businesses to minimise the spread of coronavirus.
However, by not demanding businesses close, traders say their insurance policies remain up in the air.
Bar of the Year award winners The Twa Tams have already taken the decision to cease trading – for now.
A spokesperson for the pub said: “We’re very sad to announce that the situation with the covid-19 outbreak has deteriorated to the point where we have to close the pub. In line with government advice, this will be effective immediately.
“As of yet we don’t have an idea of how long this will last, but as we find out information we’ll keep you updated.
“We’d encourage you all to take care of each other at the current time, and once we brave the storm we’ll see you for another few pints and tunes.”
Colin Bell, who runs The Bunker, insists he will continue to pull pints until he’s instructed not to.
He said: “We take hygiene really seriously anyway but we’re increasing the cleaning. We’re disinfecting all our golf clubs and the simulation car steering wheels after every use.
“We had cancellations on Tuesday morning and we’re talking to our insurers to see what will happen if we have to close.
“Our bill for sports channels is £1,600 per month. At the weekend, our live sport was dominoes.
“We were billed on March 11 and now all the sport has been cancelled. Bills are being cancelled from March 14 so we’re trying to get reimbursed.”
Colin’s business has been running successfully for seven months, but now fears that he will need to cut staff shifts.
The Venue owner Frank Burger-Seed has also had his share of cancellations to deal with.
His business is facing a second hit in just weeks, having suffered major structural damage during Storm Ciara.
He said: “Our priority is our staff and customers but it’s a Catch-22. If we close, our staff will struggle to pay their bills and have problems trying to survive themselves.
“We’re spacing out the tables and considering only having table service.
“Our first cancellation came 30 seconds after Boris Johnson’s announcement. It would have been better for us if he’d just closed us.
“Insurance pays out on historic illnesses but not new ones, so we’re not covered unless we’re instructed to close by the government.
“Other governments around Europe are helping small businesses but we’re not being supported.”
The Scottish Government say 195 people across Scotland have now contracted covid-19. This is a rise from 171 on Monday.
There are now 20 confirmed cases in Tayside. The number of cases in Fife remains at seven.
