A Perth and Kinross hotel has been given a warning after it emerged it broke COVID-19 lockdown restrictions at the height of the pandemic.
The Thistle Hotel in Milnathort has received a written letter of warning from Perth and Kinross Council’s licensing board after it emerged he welcomed half a dozen guests into the hotel on Easter Sunday.
On the same day, 744 COVID deaths were reported across the UK as the nation battled the pandemic.
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The licensing board agreed to take action after a written submission was given to them by Police Scotland at their meeting on Thursday September 3.
After the meeting Richard Law who owns the Kinross-shire hotel apologised for his actions.
He told the Perthshire Advertiser he was living in the hotel at the time with his bed set up in the hotel’s lounge.
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Full of remorse he explained how one of his friends passed away on Easter Sunday (April 12) aged just 23.
That same day, Mr Law welcomed his late friend’s two brothers and a few others into the hotel - his home - for a curry as an act of support and friendship.
He said: “There were about six or seven of us. It should not have happened. It was just a spur of the moment thing.
“We were just sitting down to a curry when the police came and broke up the group.”
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Mr Law said he “totally regretted” the incident.
The police did not press charges.
Sergeant Ryan MacDonald, of Tayside Division, said: “Officers attended a hotel on New Road, Milnathort, on Sunday, April 12 following a report that lockdown restrictions were being breached.
“Officers engaged with those within the hotel, explained the legislation and encouraged compliance. The group of people left the hotel and the matter was reported to the local licensing board for their consideration.”
Perth and Kinross Council’s licensing board convener Kathleen Baird told the Perthshire Advertiser the hotel’s owner did not hold the licence and this was held by the manager of the Thistle Hotel who was not involved in the incident.
Cllr Baird said the board agreed to issue a written warning outlining the rules that were in place and asking the hotel to comply with regulations.
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She added: “I thank everyone who has been adhering to the rules. They are there for the safety of everyone.”
