Nightclub curbs backfire as Scots socialise at home

NICOLA STURGEON’S Covid restrictions pushed young Scots to meet inside instead of going to pubs or nightclubs, research by her own government suggests.

Hospitality bosses said the findings proved that draconian rules had backfired because they had crippled businesses while causing a surge in riskier activities such as attending house parties. Ms Sturgeon has insisted her clampdown on the hospitality sector was necessary because it would slow the spread of the omicron variant.

The Scottish Government research found that while the measures appeared to have succeeded in putting people off visiting venues, the proportion meeting indoors had risen from 47 per cent to 60 per cent after they were imposed.

A ban on large crowds outdoors at events in Scotland is being lifted from Monday, although the restrictions will remain in force until at least Jan 24.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “Household mixing always increases over the Christmas and New Year period, which is why we introduced temporary measures to help slow the spread of the omicron variant.”