Police Scotland now has the power to serve emergency closure orders on pubs and entertainment venues not complying with instructions to close.
Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham, lead for coronavirus, issued a statement today praising the “exceptionally high level of compliance across Scotland” following instructions on Friday from the Scottish and UK governments that thousands of premises must close to stop the spread of coronavirus.
He commented: “However, I am aware that a small number of public houses are intent on defying this instruction and have indicated that they will remain open until legally ordered to close.
“This is absolutely reckless and endangers not only the lives of customers, but wider communities, in an extremely fast moving and unprecedented situation where both the health and safety of the nation is at stake.
“Therefore, I have obtained further legal advice today and Police Scotland will now instruct officers to serve emergency closure orders on any licensed premises which refuses to comply on the grounds of the threat posed to public safety.”
Officers will visit pubs and other venues today to make sure they are closed, using a compulsory closure under the Licensing Scotland Act - this remains in place for 24 hours but will be repeated if necessary.
DCC Graham added: “We will also report them to their relevant Licensing Board for further action to be considered.
"We are aware of the proposed legislation in relation to coronavirus, and are carefully considering the implications in this very fast moving situation.
“These are exceptional times and I would again urge everyone to stay safe and listen to the clear advice coming from health experts and government.”
Chief Constable Iain Livingstone QPM added: “I am fully supportive of the enforcement action taken today which is entirely proportionate to the threat posed to the safety of Scotland’s communities.
“I have a clear, positive duty to both protect life and improve the safety and wellbeing of people across Scotland, while supporting the government and health agencies in our fight against this pandemic.”
