debt-burdened Ram's Head pub.

The call came amid growing fears the Reid Street pub -- which has been closed for several days -- may not reopen.

Opposition Senate Leader Sen. Alex Scott told the Senate yesterday he had met up to 20 employees from a Hamilton restaurant, anxious to receive legal help for allegedly not being paid for several weeks.

Although he did not reveal the pub, The Royal Gazette understands it is the Ram's Head.

Owner Miss Cathy Ferreira recently claimed the bar's reputation for violence had put off clients.

She also revealed she had discovered new debts since taking an 81 percent stake in the pub.

Sen. Scott said the delegation of employees claimed they had been informed they would have to wait between two and three weeks to receive Legal Aid.

They were anxious not to be left in the lurch if the company folded.

Sen. Scott said many employees were not represented by a union which could protect them, highlighting the importance of an efficient mechanism for people to receive legal help.

Sen. Scott said the employees he had met had been "hit squarely'' by circumstances.

Government had long claimed it would help those hammered by the recession.

It was time now for Government to put up or shut up,'' he added.

Sen. Wendell Hollis (UBP) pointed out there was a difference between legal advice and Legal Aid.

People were able to receive legal advice immediately, he said.

He added many law firms would probably be willing to give free advice, only charging if they were instructed to act.

Sen. Hollis, however, said it was difficult to speak specifically because Sen.

Scott had not divulged the name of the restaurant.

Sen. Jerome Dill (UBP) said he believed the Legal Aid process could be speeded up under special circumstances.

He also attacked Sen. Scott for taking pot-shots at the Government for helping those in need.

Sen. Dill said Government this year had spent $750,000 a month on social assistance and housing aid.

This contrasted with the Bermuda Industrial Union, which was now reportedly out of cash.