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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Hilary Mitchell & Ryan Merrifield

Police swoop on pub after it re-opens for 'social distancing' pints 'at low prices'

Police descended on a pub after it re-opened to sell draught beer despite the coronavirus lockdown.

Officers in three patrol cars were seen questioning people outside the Malt & Hops pub on the Shore in Leith, Scotland, on Wednesday afternoon.

The pub had advertised on Facebook that beer would be available at "scandalously low prices" but it would be abiding by social distancing rules, including "one in at a time".

The Government has urged people against breaking lockdown restrictions despite the unfortunate mini heatwave being experienced by much of Britain.

For updates on coronavirus, follow our live blog HERE.

The boozer's social media post said it would be opening between 2 and 3pm on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday this week.

"Cask & Draught available at scandalously low prices," it continued.

"Grab yourself a container & enjoy a proper pint. Social distancing, one in at a time, all that good stuff.

"Support the local. Cheers."

Witnesses then snapped a photo of police officers outside at around 3pm on 22 April, reports EdinburghLive.

Cabinet Minister Michael Gove confirmed pubs would be among the last businesses to re-open (BBC)

As the pandemic rages on, pubs and restaurants across the UK have been ordered to stay shut under emergency measures and police can fine those that don't comply.

Malt & Hops' apparent breach comes amid fears Britain's pubs may remain on lockdown until winter in a "massive blow" to trade.

Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said earlier this week boozers would be among the final businesses to be given the green light to re-open once the outbreak is under control.

The Silver Cross pub in Whitehall, London (REUTERS)

Speaking on Sunday, he refused to rule out the possibility that this could mean pubs are shut up until the winter.

Pub trade insiders have told the Sun a growing number of locals face going under if they can't open their doors until the end of the year or later.

Asked if the UK's 48,349 pubs would likely be up and running again "before winter", Mr Gove said: “The other inference that I draw from your question, which is that areas of hospitality will be among the last to exit the lockdown — yes, that is true.”

Frank Maguire from Truman’s brewery told the Sun: “Things are looking pretty dire."

He said the Christmas period is "as big as business gets" in the trade and feared if they were not be re-opened until the start of 2021, it "will be a huge loss".

“January and February are dead months — without Christmas to carry us through, we will struggle. It will be a very glum start to 2021."

Mr Maguire said Euro 2020 - "worth millions to the industry" - being moved to next summer is another blow.

But he expects pubs to likely re-open by the end of the summer.

Edinburgh Live  has reached out to The Malt & Hops and Police Scotland for comment.

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