Statutory measures for indoor hospitality after Aberdeen Covid-19 outbreak
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Statutory measures will be imposed on Friday, August 14 by the Scottish Government to ensure indoor hospitality follows guidance set out following the coronavirus outbreak.
It comes after a local lockdown in Aberdeen was extended for a further seven days following a local cluster of Covid-19 affecting more than 150 people in the area.
During First Minister’s Questions, Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin asked what measures were being taken to ensure pubs, restaurants and bars were adhering to guidance.
This includes enforcing the one-metre distance rule indoors, queues outside establishments and congregating in bar areas as well as correct cleaning and hygiene measures are carried out.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the Scottish Government would move to “statutory footing” later this week and warned guidance was “not optional”.
Ms Martin asked whether sanctions may have to be enforced if a small minority of businesses failed to comply with any statutory measures.
The First Minister said businesses and owners would continue to be encouraged to “do the right things for the right reasons” but that she could not rule out sanctions may be considered at a later date.
She added having to use track and trace once people had used indoor hospitality was “firefighting” but warned businesses should not be “starting fires in the first place”.
Commenting, Gillian Martin MSP said: “The First Minister has made It clear further measures will have to be enforced if a small minority of businesses do not comply with mandatory measures.
“These safe practices are a key tool in ensuring we have a strong line of defence against coronavirus.
“It is important we are able to strike a clear balance and to do that establishments must be cautious and ensure they have strict hygiene and cleaning measures in place and
that they have full and correct details of patrons upon arrival.
“I speak for many when I express my shock at the images which emerged from Aberdeen prior to its local lockdown showing queues of dozens and dozens of people outside bars.
“I am pleased the First Minister will be providing stricter guidance and would encourage all businesses to act responsibly.
"Importantly she stressed that compliance with social distancing was still the first defence against the virus, and establishments can only operate safely if this is maintained.
“I would also like to thank the many establishments and their customers who have already been doing following the guidance.”
