Scots pub chiefs are 'scunnered' after booze was banned from their outdoor 'Ski Gondolas', which were classed as indoor drinking.
McLarens on the Corner, in Edinburgh, had been serving pints to punters in their cable car-style capsules since April 26.
Having used the gondolas at a sister venue last summer, bosses at the capital venue saw no issue with moving them to McLarens, to keep this year's visitors warm and dry.
But last week licensing officers imposed a ban on all alcohol being served and consumed in the gondolas, leaving workers 'gutted' at the 'devastating' effect it will have on trade.
Under current coronavirus restrictions, alcohol cannot be served indoors until May 17. From April 26 punters could enjoy alcohol in outdoor areas, however anything 'less than 50 per cent open' is deemed to be indoor drinking.
Even with the gondola doors wide open, the unique structures, shipped from a French ski resort, fall under the indoor category.
Staff at the leafy Morningside venue had no other option but to comply and refuse booze to gondola visitors until May 17.
Louise MacLean, the pub's business development manager, told the Record: "We're just scunnered with it all.
"Our number one priority is customer safety and we will not flaunt a rule.
"That's why when licensing told us we couldn't sell alcohol we were happy to comply.
"But after our other venue was able to serve alcohol in the gondolas last year, it's frustrating that the same can't be done now, when we were led to believe it could."
It's another financial hit after a hard year for Scotland's hospitality venues.
Louise, 45, added: "People keep saying 'it's only another 11 days till you can sell drink in them' or 'it's only another two weekends'.
"But that's after a brutal 400 days.
"The rules are the rules but we're absolutely gutted.
"This will definitely affect trade."
Going forward, Louise hopes there is clearer guidance for pubs, bars and restaurants from the Scottish Government.
She said: "We've been allowed to do one thing one year and not allowed the next year.
"We know a lot of other venues that have similar structures in their garden areas.
"They're now worried that the same thing will happen to them.
"If Scotland ever goes back into level three, I hope the Government can look at this type of thing again and allow pods and gondolas."
A Scottish Government spokesperson told the Record: "We are now in the pre-election period and as such the government news service is effectively suspended.
"You may be interested in the following information:
"Local authorities have responsibility for enforcement of regulations to control Covid-19 in the hospitality sector under public health legislation.
"This is to help a return to normality, as much as possible, while we pursue a cautious and gradual exit from restrictions.
"The criteria defining an outdoor structure states that at least 50% open of its walls must be open (ie. not all sides enclosed) to ensure adequate ventilation.
"For more info: Coronavirus (COVID-19): tourism and hospitality sector guidance."
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