I COULD CRY AT PICTURES OF BUSY PUB
First Minister warns venues will be shut down if they flout rules
NICOLA Sturgeon has warned that pubs and restaurants in Scotland will be “shut down” if people do not abide by safety rules.
The First Minister’s caution came as she admitted pictures of pub crowds last weekend had made her “want to cry”.
A key part of the Government’s policy in easing lockdown involved the reopening of bars and restaurants. But concern is rising that some pub-goers have been blatantly flouting physical distancing rules.
Aberdeen South MP Stephen Flynn said he was “scunnered” when he saw pictures of large numbers of drinkers outside the city’s Soul bar on Saturday night.
It came after 13 cases of Covid-19 were linked to The Hawthorn bar, in Holburn Street, less than one mile away.
NHS Grampian said the number of positive tests arising from an outbreak at The Hawthorn now stands at 27, having been 13 on Sunday.
Sturgeon said: “I’ve seen pictures on social media over this weekend that, not to put too fine a point on it, made me want to cry.”
Asked about the possibility of restrictions being imposed again for the indoor hospitality industry, she said: “Be in no doubt, if we have to do that, we will – because we will have no choice.”
She said it was a “delicate balancing act” and added: “It doesn’t take much for that to be thrown off kilter. If that happens, then we will unfortunately – and it’s not something I want to do – have to consider further restrictions, up to and including perhaps the further shutdown of premises like pubs and restaurants.” Sturgeon said: “Would we look at tightening up guidance if we thought that was necessary? Yes, we would.”
In an earlier tweet, the FM backed Flynn, posting: “Spot on, Stephen Flynn. Covid remains a real and present threat to our health and wellbeing. Scenes like these are dangerous and could easily result in pubs being closed again – which no one wants. We all have a responsibility. Please everybody #keeptheheid.”
She also said: “It’s not just this incident in Aberdeen. Across social media we are seeing evidence of people – and it is largely younger people – gathering together with little or no physical distancing in place.”
Owners of The Hawthorn said customers who were there on July 26 tested positive but it was confirmed by NHS Grampian they are only showing mild symptoms. Physical distancing
measures were put in place at the pub and contact tracing is being carried out to identify any other potential cases.
But Dr Emmanuel Okpo, a consultant in public health medicine, said: “People who have not gone to this bar, or who live in other parts of Grampian, should not assume they are somehow safe. Anyone who develops symptoms of Covid-19 should isolate at home immediately and arrange a test.”
Outdoor hospitality was given the green light in July and a week later indoor restaurants and bars were allowed to open. They benefited from a relaxation of the two-metre social distancing rule but only if strict public health measures were implemented in their place.
Paul Waterson, of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, said: “It’s very important, when we are at this fragile stage, that all pubs and restaurants conform to the guidance and customers understand the role they have to play in all of this. Otherwise, there could be further restrictions.
“The vast majority of pubs and restaurants are complying with the guidance. In fact, many are going over and above what it suggests, so it’s up to customers to adhere to it.
“We are desperate to make sure we get through this time without any further restrictions.”
Emma McClarkin, CEO of the Scottish Beer and Pub Association, said: “Closing pubs just as they have reopened would be devastating for our sector, the economy and jobs.
“We’re seeking urgent clarity from the Scottish Government if they are seriously considering this.”
Tory MSP Dean Lockhart said: “Overcrowded pubs and other gatherings are a source of real concern. But we shouldn’t underestimate the importance of the hospitality industry in rebuilding our economy.
“Let’s not ruin the new freedoms we have and risk massive uncertainty for tens of thousands of Scots who work in hospitality.”