Police step up patrols as fans flock to pubs for key Euro clashes

Aberdeen police officers will be stepping up patrols for the duration of Euro 2020, particularly when key matches likely to draw crowds to pubs are scheduled.

Restrictions have eased in the north-east but there are still guidelines the hospitality industry must follow, with specific ones in place for Euro 2020.

Pubs and bars are not allowed to advertise the tournament as an event and staff are expected to challenge patrons who shout, sing or cheer.

Venues are as busy as their capacity allows and PCs Alex Currie and Louise Calder are among those patrolling the streets to offer licensed premises support to ensure safety

PC Currie said that while out on patrol they normally speak directly to the staff, and do not normally need to interact with patrons.

“It depends on the time of night, it can get quite busy,” he said.

“We usually just speak to the door staff and ask general questions like how many patrons they have within the licence, have they had any disturbances, have they rejected anybody.

“We’ll just talk to them and see if a licensed manager is on and check when they close, especially now places can close a little bit later.”

The officer added that sometimes they can get the odd comment from someone but he believes right now everyone is “on their best behaviour”.

Sergeant Ricky Burr said: “There was an incident earlier on in lockdown that affected the licensing trade so badly and it was highlighted so much, the venues that were affected obviously took that on board.

“Also the other licensees that were open took the lessons learned from that one.

“With the gradual opening up of things again they know that there is a lot of scrutiny of the hospitality trade, not only in Aberdeen but nationally, and they don’t want that level of intrusion again, which is my take on it.

“They know they can run it well, they know that people are out to enjoy themselves, and they know that they’re there to make business so the last thing they want is more heavy restrictions on them.”

Revolucion de Cuba is a usual hotspot for people at the weekend and although they are not showing the games they are still ensuring guidelines are followed.

PC Calder said the patrols are not centred on policing the venues, but supporting them to keep everyone safe.

She says: “If they know that we’re around and we’re constantly on patrol then they can have a reassurance that if anything does go wrong we are not that far away.”

This Friday is classed as the highest level for patrolling as Scotland take on England, a game expected to bring out the largest crowds since pubs reopened.

Police officers doing their rounds of city venues.