Nicola Sturgeon has warned bars and restaurants could face a “further shutdown” if Scots do not abide by strict public safety rules.
The First Minister said pictures of a large queue outside an Aberdeen bar had made her want to cry.
A key part of the Government’s policy of coming out of lockdown involved the reopening of pubs and restaurants.
However, concerns exist about some pub goers who have been blatantly flouting physical distancing rules.
Stephen Flynn, the Aberdeen South MP, said he was “scunnered” with pictures from Saturday night of large numbers of punters outside of the Soul Bar in the city centre.
It came after cases of covid-19 were linked to the city's Hawthorn bar less than one mile away.
At her daily press briefing, Sturgeon said: “I’ve seen pictures on social media over this weekend that, not to put too fine a point on it, made me want to cry.”
On the possibility of more restrictions being put back in place for the indoor hospitality industry, she said:
“Be in no doubt, if we have to do that, we will, because we will have no choice.”
She said it was a “delicate balancing act” and added:
“It doesn’t take much for that to be thrown off kilter, and if that happens, then we will, unfortunately, it’s not something I want to do, we will have to consider further restrictions up to and including perhaps the further shutdown of premises like pubs and restaurants.”
She also said: “Would we look at tightening up guidance if we thought that was necessary? Yes, we would.”
In an earlier tweet, the First Minister backed Flynn: "Spot on from @StephenFlynnSNP - COVID remains a real and present threat to our health and wellbeing. Scenes like these are dangerous, and could easily result in pubs being closed again - which no one wants. We all have a responsibility here. Please, please everybody #keeptheheid".”
She also said: “Of course it’s not just this incident in Aberdeen, across the county and across social media we are seeing evidence of people - and it is largely younger people - gathering together with little or no physical distancing in place.”
On the cases linked to Hawthorn Bar, the owners said customers who were there on July 26 tested positive but it was confirmed by NHS Grampian they are only showing mild symptoms.
Physical distancing measures were put in place within the pub and contact tracing is being carried out to identify any other potential cases.
Outdoor hospitality was given the green light in July, after which indoor pubs and restaurants were allowed to open.
They benefited from a relaxation of the two metre social distancing rule, but only if strict public health measures were implemented in their place.
Paul Waterson of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association said:
“It’s very important that when we are at this fragile stage all pubs and restaurants conform to the guidance, and customers understand the role they have to play in all of this. Otherwise there could be further restrictions.
“The vast majority of pubs and restaurants are complying with the guidance. In fact, many are going over and above what the guidance suggests, so it is up to customers to adhere to the guidance.
“We are desperate to make sure we get through this time without any further restrictions, because this is the most problematic time we’ve had.”
Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the Scottish Beer & Pub Association, said:
“Closing pubs in Scotland just as they have reopened would be devastating for our sector, the economy and jobs. We are seeking urgent clarity from the Scottish Government if they are seriously considering this. It’s important to remember our pubs have reopened following thorough risk assessments and detailed mitigation measures to ensure they are safe.”
Tory MSP Dean Lockhart said: “Over-crowded pubs and other gatherings are indeed a source of real concern.
“At the same time, we can’t underestimate the importance of the hospitality industry in rebuilding our economy and helping Scotland recover from the impact of the lockdown.
“There is a safe way for everyone to enjoy going out, and people must continue to be vigilant and follow the guidelines in place.
“Let’s not ruin the new freedoms that we have and risk massive uncertainty for tens of thousands of Scots who work in hospitality.”
