Covid in Scotland: Drinkers hit the town for the last time before pubs shut down at 6pm for coronavirus booze-ban

SCOTTISH drinkers have hit the town one last time as pubs were ordered to shut at 6pm today for the next 16 days.

New restrictions introduced for Scotland's bars, pubs and restaurants came into effect today.

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Restaurants and bars have been banned from selling booze and must close at 6pm tonight as a new curfew kicks – with a 16-day total shutdown in the Central Belt.

The 'central belt' included Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire & Arran, Lothian and Forth Valley – and impacts about 3.4million people.

Venues across the rest of the country are now only allowed to operate indoors between 6am and 6pm but not service alcohol.

And the new rules only apply inside – people in the non-central belt area will still be able to drink and eat outside up until 10pm. Takeaways are allowed to continue.

Places without an alcohol licence and holiday accommodation can remain open, and "financial compensation" will be offered to places which must close.

Many were seen enjoying their last pints in Edinburgh – located in one of the five central belt areas – as the shutters have now gone down until Sunday, October 25.

The Scottish First Minister has outlined tough new booze bans for the next two weeks to curb the rise in infections – as the UK-wide infection rate for coronavirus doubled in a week.

Ms Sturgeon told the nation this week that Scotland is likely to return to the peak of the coronavirus as seen in the spring, by the end of October if no action is taken.

Scotland is four weeks behind France and six weeks behind Spain, she said, urging people to "please stick with it" on the rules.

She added: "We need to do more, and we need to do it now."






Scotland’s mini-lockdown – what are the rules?

CENTRAL BELT:

  • Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Arran, Lothian and Forth Valley have extra restrictions – covering 3.4million people
  • Pubs and bars have to close – both indoors and outdoors
  • Takeaways are still allowed
  • Hotels can remain open, and cafes
  • But hospitality faces a 6pm curfew
  • Contact sports for people aged 18 and over suspended for 2 weeks
  • Indoor group exercise activities not allowed
  • Outdoor live events banned for two weeks
  • People should avoid public transport unless absolutely necessary
  • No need to cancel half term breaks but stay local if you can
  • Gyms remain open but only for individuals
  • Snooker and pool halls, indoor bowling alleys, casinos and bingo halls will close for two weeks

OUTSIDE CENTRAL BELT:

  • For 16 days from this Friday at 6pm to Sunday 25 October, inclusive, indoor hospitality will have to shut at 6pm
  • Hotels can operate restaurants but only for residents – and with no alcohol
  • Outdoor hospitality can continue to serve alcohol outside up to 10pm
  • Exceptions for life events like weddings already booked, and funerals
  • No need to shield but take extra care if vulnerable

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