Hospitality bosses are urging punters to think again before not showing up for bookings as restaurants and pubs open their doors. 

Hundreds of no-show bookings could represent a second hit to already struggling restaurants. 

On Wednesday, customers were welcomed indoors for the first time in nearly four months but businesses were left disappointed after customers failed to keep bookings. 

Paul Waterson, of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, told the Sunday Mail the no-shows were "soul-destroying" for businesses. 

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Social distancing restrictions have already resulted in capacity being halved so deposits may be necessary to fight against failed bookings. 

Waterson said: “It’s soul-destroying for people to take bookings and then be hit with no-shows.

“Charging deposits is a solution but that poses questions about how much to charge.

“People have to respect the operators and give them notice if they won’t be turning up.”

Owner of Gin71 in Glasgow, Paul Reynolds, told the Sunday Mail a third of Friday's bookings were no shows. 

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He said: "I’m enraged by this. We had 37 tables, that’s 90 people, not show up or cancel at the last minute.

“I personally emailed every booking asking to cancel by lunchtime if they were going to.

“Like all bars and restaurants, we’ve been burning through money in the last four months.

“This is our chance, not to make a profit but to make less of a loss.

“We’re trying to do the right thing and follow the guidelines. Asking people to book means we can make it safe.

“We can get their contact details at the time of booking for contact and trace if needed.

“The attitude of some people is poor. This will cause businesses to crumble and people could lose jobs at a very swift rate.”

No-shows will "just add to financial hardship" a Scottish Labour spokeswoman added. 

Jackie Baillie said: "It’s been a really tough time for businesses that have closed down as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and the hospitality sector has been particularly badly affected.

“This period is critical for them, so no-shows from people who have made bookings will just add to financial hardship.

“We can all play our part. If you’re booking a table please go or, if you can’t, then make sure you cancel it well in advance.”