Sturgeon urges caution as beer gardens across country reopen.

First minister’s appeal to socialise safely outdoors after Police Federation chief condemns drunken behaviour down south

Nicola Sturgeon has urged Scots to socialise safely as beer gardens and pavement cafés reopen across the country, following a warning from police in England that drunk people will not stick to the rules.

Scotland will take its next tentative steps out of lockdown from today as members of the public are encouraged to enjoy outdoor hospitality for the first time since March – although indoor pubs and restaurants will remain closed until at least July 15.

Anyone visiting such outdoor establishments will be asked to provide their name and contact telephone number to the business as well as logging the date and time of their visit as part of Scotland’s test and protect system.

A major easing of lockdown measures in England this weekend also saw pubs, restaurants, hairdressers and cinemas open their doors under modified social distancing rules, but the occasion was marred by chaotic scenes on Saturday night.

Police Federation chairman John Apter, who was on duty in Southampton, reported dealing with “naked men, happy drunks, angry drunks, fights and more angry drunks”, while there were several reports of officers being assaulted.

The Scottish Government is expected this week to confirm whether two-metre social distancing may be reduced to one metre, with additional safeguards, in a bid to help more businesses reopen.

But Mr Apter warned it was “crystal clear” revellers could not or would not adhere to the “one metre plus” rule already in place in England.

Speaking during a visit to a terrace pub in Edinburgh ahead of the reopening today, Ms Sturgeon said sacrifices made by the public in Scotland had already helped to suppress the virus and protect the health service.

She said: “I hope as we take these first gradual steps out of lockdown people will begin to feel more of the sense of normality that we have worked so hard for, although it is important to remember that the virus has not gone away, so we cannot get complacent.

“No beer garden or café should feel the same as it did before. The vast majority of the hospitality industry will be following the rules and putting in place new procedures to help control the virus.”

The Scottish Government is expected to publish further guidelines for the sector this week and it is anticipated phase three measures will also be announced, possibly as early as Thursday.

Ms Sturgeon added: “People should look for those safety measures and be aware of the need to follow the facts at all times when out in the community.

“If you don’t see those safety measures, or you don’t feel you can follow appropriate hygiene rules, than don’t take the risk.

“If we continue to stick to the rules we will be able to drive the virus down further and live less restricted lives in the weeks and months ahead.

“Until then, support local businesses if you can, socialise safely and make sure that while you enjoy yourself you also protect others.”

The reopening of the hospitality sector was welcomed by Stephen Montgomery, president of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association.

“We understand that there will be changes in place to reduce the spread of Covid-19, which we are sure customers will understand,” he said.

“We would encourage customers to keep to physical distancing measures and work with premises to ensure public health is maintained, including providing staff with contact details to support test and protect.”

“If we continue to stick to the rules we will be able to drive the virus down further... NICOLA STURGEON