WE’RE ONLY HERE FOR THE BEER
»»Thousands of thirsty Scots heading to English pubs today »»Cops warn day-trippers they will be on lookout for drink-drivers
THOUSANDS of Scots are set to cross the border today for a pint as English pubs reopen after lockdown.
But police warned they would be on the lookout for drink-drivers.
THOUSANDS of thirsty Scots are set to flood across the border today for their first pint in a pub since lockdown began more than three months ago.
England is set for a Super Saturday on the US’s Independence Day as pubs open their doors again.
And publicans on the English side of the border have revealed up to a third of their bookings are from Scots.
Drinkers in Scotland will have to wait until Monday for beer gardens to reopen, or July 15 for pubs to get fully started again.
But there are no rules against Scots heading to England for a drink other than the normal zero-tolerance crackdown on drink driving.
However, many pubs are operating a bookings-only policy.
At The Meadow House, in Berwickupon-Tweed, bosses reckon up to 30 per cent of their bookings are from Scots desperate for a beer and a bite to eat, with some travelling from as far as Glasgow – a near two-hour, 100-mile journey – and Edinburgh.
Ashley James, who runs The Meadow House, said the pub is reopening with an emphasis on serving food to accompany drinks and is fully booked. Hundreds are set to visit the bar but only 80 people will be allowed in at any one time.
Ashley said: “We have bookings from as far away as Glasgow. Edinburgh has also been a hotspot for bookings, along with the Borders.
BY KEITH McLEOD About 30 per cent of our bookings have come from Scotland and we’re looking forward to welcoming them.
“We have a large beer garden and spacious areas inside which allow us to adhere to social distancing of two metres wherever possible.
“It has been a long wait, so we’re looking forward to welcoming guests into a safe and friendly atmosphere.”
At another popular Berwick pub, The Brown Bear, owner Zafer Saygilier and manager Matthew Robson said they have organised bookings through social media only. There will be three sittings in the pub, allowing breaks for sanitising.
They have bookings from Eyemouth and other towns in south-east Scotland.
But Matthew said: “If you are thinking about driving down from Scotland on a whim, don’t. It is bookings only and we’re fully booked. It’s great to open again, but safety is our first priority.”
Police will not be setting up border checks or stopping cars but Police Scotland said officers will be on the lookout for drink-drivers. And, of course, the limit in Scotland is lower than in the rest of the UK.
Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie said: “We are asking people to take personal responsibility to do the right thing and remember the purpose of these measures is to aid the collective effort to stay safe, protect others and save lives by preventing the virus from spreading.
“We recognise that people have made significant sacrifices but we would ask them to continue to comply with the regulations and the Scottish Government’s guidance. Our officers will continue to engage with the public, explain the legislation and guidance and encourage compliance.
“We will use enforcement as a last resort only where there is a clear breach of the legislation.
“Police Scotland is carrying out its Summer Drink and Drug Drive campaign and we have officers out on proactive patrols on a daily basis to deter and detect drink or drug-driving.”
Northumbria Police also asked the public to continue to behave responsibly.
Superintendent Karl Wilson said: “I want to ask people to show some personal responsibility this weekend. We will take action against anyone who fails to meet the standards expected of us all.”
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness said: “Social distancing is still very much at play and from this weekend, we need to work together to create a new ‘normal’ for going out – one that is considerate of others and works to keep everyone safe.”
People from Scotland travelling to Northumberland will have a different experience to those who cross the border at Gretna.
Cumbria Police said people travelling from parts of the UK with restrictions will be given “appropriate advice” and directed to return to their own area – but added enforcement will be a “last resort”.
The big reopening down south comes as five-mile travel restrictions are lifted in Scotland – apart from some parts of Dumfries and Galloway.