Cops tackle huge number of house parties
Police Scotland attended 300 house parties over the weekend but the forces Chief Constable has thanked those who are cooperating with new restrictions.
Chief Constable Iain Livingstone has thanked the vast majority of the public who over the weekend co-operated with new regulations, including a 10pm closing time for pubs and restaurants and increased restrictions on indoor visits to private homes.
Additional officers were deployed to support localaAuthorities to ensure pubs and clubs closed at 10pm with very few issues and no premises closed by police.
The Chief Constable said: “Highly restrictive measures on our lives, freedoms, and daily routines are in place as, collectively, we respond to this public health emergency.
“Policing is here to support people and to help everyone to do the right thing, to prevent the spread of the virus. Officers will use good sense and exercise the discretion that is integral to the office of Constable, to work with citizens to support the implementation of these new rules.
“The experience of the last six months is that the great majority of people are taking personal responsibility to do the right thing because they know that at this time physical distancing is the significant intervention that can be made to save lives.
“I am grateful for the support and co-operation of the public and the licensed trade which continued over the weekend. I also want to again underline my admiration and compassion for young people and students who have responded so well to the pandemic at this crucial time of their lives.”
The Chief Constable reiterated his concern about house parties after reports indicated officers responded to at least 300 across Scotland between Friday and Sunday morning.
Officers issued at least 101 fixed penalties and made 14 arrests while responding to complaints of house parties during the same period.
Entry to households was forced on three occasions across the country.
Analysis suggests house parties are being held across the country in every community and age group.
The Chief Constable said: “There is no doubt that house parties or house gatherings are not permitted and there can be no excuse for arranging, attending, or hosting a house party.
“It is against the law.
“Where officers encounter blatant, wilful, or persistent breaches, we will take decisive action to enforce the law.”
And Nicola Sturgeon has slammed those still having house parties.
Speaking at her daily media briefing on Monday she said:“The vast majority of people in Scotland are abiding by the rules and they have my deep appreciation for that.
“But anyone that’s not - particularly anyone that’s flagrantly breaching very clear rules about house parties - should take a look at themselves, because we know that house parties are one of the risk factors that can cause this virus to spread.”