Cheers for the beers!
Joy as covid restrictions ease in Renfrewshire
Buddies enjoyed a pint and a hug yesterday as Covid- 19 restrictions were eased.
The local authority area was placed under Level 2 restrictions yesterday meaning families could embrace and invite people into their homes for the first time in more than eight months.
Pubs and restaurants were also able to serve alcohol indoors for the first time this year.
Up to six people from three families can now meet indoors and up to eight people from eight households outdoors.
Many reunited with old friends in Paisley pubs yesterday as some - which have been closed for the better part of a year - opened their doors.
They are now able to take bookings for two-hour slots and serve alcohol until 10.30pm.
Jackie McCaig of The Old Swan Inn says she is delighted to welcome her loyal customers back indoors after weeks of outdoor service with blankets and hot water bottles.
“Our regulars have been in supporting us,” she said.
“The tips have been crazy, they have been bringing in sweets and chocolates.
“They are grateful to be able to come and have a drink.
“Recently it has got to the end of the night and I am sending the staff home with £50 or £60 because people are so thankful for the service, telling us we are so hospitable.
“They are giving us such high praise, that they feel safe when they are here [because of all the systems we have in place] and that makes all of the hard work worthwhile.”
Jackie, like many business owners in Paisley, has invested huge sums in covid safety measures and has been getting to grips with complex booking systems and track and trace procedures.
Colette Cardosi, chairwoman of Paisley First, said yesterday was a momentous day for many weary entrepreneurs across the town.
She told the Express: ”We welcome the move into Level 2 which is a big step for our Paisley town centre businesses.
“Many of our bars which don’t serve food or have outdoor seating have been closed since last October and we’re thrilled they are able to open again after such a long wait.
“Visitors can now enjoy an alcoholic drink with food indoors and this will also provide a much-needed boost to our hospitality businesses.”
She added: “We are grateful to our local businesses who have worked so hard to reopen safely and we hope that this marks the beginning of a great summer for Paisley town centre.”
Cinemas, theatres, concert halls, comedy clubs, amusement arcades and bingo halls also opened across Renfrewshire yesterday in a further move towards normality.
Amateur performing arts groups are also now able to perform outdoors while outdoor adult contact sports can also resume.
We are grateful to our local businesses who have worked so hard to reopen safely