Under-fire pub ramps up social distancing steps
Extra staff brought in after complaints
A popular Stirling pub has revised its operating procedures after concerns were raised that social distancing was not taking place there.
Stirling MP Alyn Smith said last week he had been contacted by several concerned members of the public about The Crossed Peels in Spittal Street since the easing of lockdown.
Complaints had also been made by members of the public to Stirling Licensing Board.
It had been pointed out that “large groups of people” had been congregating in parts of the pub and the beer garden and had “not been observing a safe social distance from each other”.
A member of staff at the J D Wetherspoon pub had also contacted the MP about an inadequate amount of staff on shift to meet demand, Mr Smith said.
Mr Smith wrote to Wetherspoon’s chief executive, John Hutson, about the concerns in a letter dated August 5.
Responding, Mr Hutson stated that management had reviewed the pub’s risk assessment and introduced revised measures, including an increase in staff numbers in the evening, door staff on duty each evening and the closure of the beer garden with the exception of six smokers at a time.
In his letter to J D Wetherspoon Mr Smith stated: “The vast majority of pubs and restaurants in the Stirling area have responded to the pandemic situation properly, providing assurances to customers by enforcing proper social distancing and other measures to minimise the risk of transmission of coronavirus.
“You may be aware that the First Minister has today announced the reintroduction of lockdown restrictions in Aberdeen city following a cluster of Covid-19 cases emerging in the area.
“You may also be aware that a number of the new cases emerging in the area have been linked to a pub.
“The Crossed Peels is a significant destination for people looking to socialise in Stirling city centre, so I would urge you to look into this matter urgently and assess what more can be done to keep customers and staff at The Crossed Peels safe.”
Chairperson of Stirling Licensing Board, Councillor Danny Gibson said this week complaints had been passed on to Environmental Health, whose officers had visited the premises on several occasions, including visits with police officers, to highlight the need for the pub to operate in line with Scottish Government guidance.
Councillor Gibson added: “Complaints have centred around the premises’ night time operation and Environmental Health officers have made further recommendations in addition to the measures already in place as to how the premises can maintain social distancing guidelines during these hours.
“The premises has been advised that if these guidelines are not adhered too, then formal enforcement action will be used.
“It is essential that Scottish Government guidance is followed by hospitality businesses throughout the Stirling Council area to ensure not only the safety of people who work in and visit the premises, but also the wider Stirling community.”
The vast majority of pubs and restaurants have responded properly