OAPs WILL SUFFER
Drinkers urged to take it easy in beer gardens as lockdown is expected to be eased tomorrow
DRINKERS have been warned to behave this weekend, with Scotland’s lockdown restrictions are set to be eased allowing beer gardens to open.
Pubs, some shops and outdoor markets are among the activities listed in the phase two reopening tipped to be unveiled today by Nicola Sturgeon.
But the prospect of some boozers going off the rails after 12 weeks at home sparked fears of drink-fuelled mayhem.
Scottish Licensed Trade Association spokesman, Paul Waterson, said: “Customers have been cooped up and if they’re all going to rush back to the pub, it’s important everybody feels safe.”
He called for clear guidance on when pubs can reopen but said landlords “understand the difficult position the Government is in” tackling Covid-19.
Today is expected to see the next milestone in the Scottish Government’s four-phase approach to re-booting life as we know it.
Ministers have vowed to further ease restrictions if the R rate of infection remains low.
Sturgeon previously said she feels “optimistic” about today’s review, and believes Scotland will be “able to move, at least in part,” to the next phase.
The country has been in phase one since May 28 – meaning the virus is yet to be contained but cases are falling.
Phase two means the virus is controlled, with households allowed to meet indoors while sticking to social distancing and hygiene measures.
Scots will also be able to meet with larger groups including family and friends outside.
Likely to be among the most popular potential new freedoms is the return of beer gardens – with some fine weather forecast for Saturday.
The Edinburgh Corn Exchange has vowed to open the capital’s biggest beer garden, once rules allow.
Managing director Paul Demarco took to Facebook to ask punters what they wanted to see at the venue.
He said: “We’re gonna have outdoor ping pong and darts for a start, anything else you think we could do?
“Of course, large outdoor screens with the football will also be on site, and a food market. If we’re gonna do a beer garden we’re gonna do it properly.”
Bosses behind Glasgow’s newest and biggest beer garden also vowed to open on Saturday if given the go-ahead.
The iconic Rotunda in Finnieston will host a free-toenter outdoor venue and food market with the aim of opening seven days a week. Boss Toni
Carbajosa said: “If the First Minister stands up on Thursday and makes the announcement, we’ll be ready to go – hopefully within 24 hours.”
Small shops are also likely to be given the nod to reopen for business in phase two, so long as social distancing and hygiene measures stay in place.
With stores already open in England, there were fears shoppers might head south.
Shopkeeper representatives called for clarity on when they can reopen and help with tax breaks once they are to drive business.
Scottish Retail Consortium head of policy, Ewan MacDonaldRussell, said: “In terms of travelling down to Newcastle or wherever, I think if we get a date for reopening,
I don’t think people will bother.” Outdoor markets, including street food sites, are also included in the phase two easing of restrictions.
Director of the Pitt street market in Edinburgh, Hal Prescott, said: “We’ve got different options for different eventualities.
“If everything is cancelled it will be a big party, if they reduce restrictions we’ll put a bit of furniture out. If it’s still two metres, it’ll just be click and collect.”
But owners of Glasgow’s outdoor West End Farmers Market at Mansfield Park ruled out any return until next month.