New Covid powers to break up Scots house parties and shut down pubs

Police are being given fresh powers to break up large house parties in a bid to stem the rising Coronavirus tide in Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon has announced.

Councils will also be able to shut down pubs and other firms that fail to comply with coronavirus regulations under new measures. The First Minister announced the changes as the number of new cases of Covid-19 in Scotland reached the highest level for almost three months of 77.

“The Scottish Government has powers under emergency legislation to issue directions in respect of a class of premises – for example, to close all pubs in a particular postcode,” Ms Sturgeon told MSPS

“We intend to give local authorities the power to act in respect of individual, specific premises that are breaching guidelines and risking transmission of the virus.

“This power would enable local authorities either to close such premises – or to impose conditions on their opening – where they deem that is necessary for the purpose of preventing, protecting against, or controlling the spread of infection.”

Police currently have the powers to fine people if they are in breach of Covid rules, including a gathering of more than eight people indoors. The new rules will allow officers to also break up any house parties they come across.

It comes amid growing concerns about the prevalence of house parties which breach Covid restrictions across Scotland.

“For use in cases of flagrant breach and as a last resort, we intend to give the police powers of enforcement to break up and disperse large indoor gatherings,” Ms Sturgeon said.

The new powers will come into force from next Friday and are “necessary to continue to suppress the virus”, the First Minister added.