Scottish police will enforce the coronavirus-related ban on pubs, clubs and restaurants opening if necessary, the chief constable has said.
Iain Livingstone said in a statement: “To be clear, no public houses or other entertainment venues should be opening for patrons until further notice.”
He thanked “the overwhelming majority” of people complying with the ban and said police were monitoring proposed legislation to counter the spread of Covid-19 and its potential implications for policing.
“In the meantime, those breaking the law will be dealt with appropriately to ensure the public is kept safe from risk and harm as we continue to police the country,” he said on Saturday.
Bars, cafes restaurants, cinemas and theatres have all closed in the wake of the latest official health warnings and government advice. Scotland’s first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, said on Friday that Scots must not treat the call to stay away from such venues as optional, insisting the measure was “vital to help us save lives”.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland said they were still receiving reports of anti-social behaviour and end-of-school parties despite the new restrictions.
“Please … consider the health of others and adhere to the social distance practices outlined by the health department,” the service said on Saturday.
Nine new cases of Covid-19 were revealed on Friday in the country, taking the total to 86.
