South Ayrshire businesses react to Level 4 lockdown as they prepare to close

All pubs, cafes, restaurants, and non-essential shops will be forced to shut from Friday at 6pm until December 11, in what is described by Nicola Sturgeon as a 'short, sharp' lockdown ahead of Christmas to bring infection rates down.

The new rules will also see the closure of hotels to all tourism, with the only exception being key workers or exempt workers.

Gyms will also be shut, as will spa facilities, hair and beauty salons, tattooists, and piercing shops.

For owners of hospitality businesses, the news comes as a devastating blow having reopened again in Level 3 two weeks ago.

Across the local authority business owners have been reacting to the news which some have labelled 'heartbreaking'.

Gyms

A gym in Ayr was left 'devastated' by the news after working hard to to keep their clients safe.

Force Fitness in Mosshill Industrial Estate shared an emotional message on their social media page.

They also stressed the importance of mental health and encouraged any members who are struggling to get in touch with them.

Pubs

A Prestwick pub thanked their customers for sticking to guidelines as they vowed not to quit.

The Golf Inn shared a heartwarming message of gratitude to their loyal punters which reads: "Every comment, every smile, every laugh has been enjoyed and savoured. We want you to know that it hasn't gone unnoticed."

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Hotels, Restaurants and Cafes 

Hotels have been told they must close to any guests staying for leisure purposes.

An Ayr hotel called the move to Level 4 a 'disaster' and a 'huge blow' to the industry.

The hotel and restaurant will move again to serving take-away food and paid tribute to its staff.

Buckley's Cafe/ Bistro in Prestwick called it a 'terrible time' as they received the news they feared.

Hair and Beauty

The frustration of three weeks of Level 4 restrictions is being felt by barbers, hairdressers, beauticians, and spas.

Many of the small businesses across South Ayrshire are scrambling to move appointments to fit clients in before the Friday shut down time, with workers staying later to cover as many clients as possible.

Essence of Beauty in Troon reacted to the news by sharing an angry emoji on social media.

Whilst A Cut Above in Ayr said they were 'gutted' by the news but vowed to bounce back.