Blow for Edinburgh drinkers as Nicola Sturgeon halts plans to open beer gardens

The First Minister said a review on whether or not pub gardens can reopen will take place in July.

Hospitality and drinkers across the city took a hit as Nicola Sturgeon announced the country is not ready to reopen restaurant and pub outdoor spaces – despite Scotland entering phase two of lockdown.

During her daily briefing, Ms Sturgeon announced the easing of various measures including meeting up with friends and family in larger groups and driving further distance for leisure and exercise, but drinking in outdoor spaces at pubs, restaurants and cafes is still prohibited.

The First Minister said the next review for the reopening of beer gardens is to take place on July 2 where officials will determine whether or not it is safe to do so.

Nicola Sturgeon announced today that pub and restaurant outdoor spaces are to remain closed despite the country heading into phase two of exiting lockdown

She described pubs, restaurants and gyms as “hotspots for the virus” hence her more cautious approach in permitting these businesses to reopen as early as phase two.

CC Blooms in Edinburgh had been taking bookings ahead of this weekend in the hope phase two included the reopening of outdoor spaces for bars.

Yet today’s news came as a huge blow to owners who have now had to cancel all reservations for their outdoor table spaces.

In a message on social media CC Blooms staff said the news was a “shocking blow” and they regret to inform eager drinkers that they bookings have now been cancelled until further notice.

The reopening of beer gardens was planned for phase two but during her announcement today, Ms Sturgeon said she was still hesitant to permit hospitality businesses to resume service given the risks of coronavirus spreading.

She said: “We may be able to set a date later that is within phase two.

“There is emerging evidence that places like pubs, restaurants and gyms can be hotspots for transmission so its better that we really understand this evidence and what further mitigation might be necessary to protect people in such spaces before we permit them to reopen.

“I appreciate this will be hard for the hospitality industry and I want to give assurance to businesses in that sector that we will continue to support preparations for reopening by, for example, encouraging local authorities to facilitate opening outdoor spaces that pubs and restaurants can use for additional space.

“I expect to have this scientific advice in two weeks and I will set out then, hopefully on or around the second of July whether outdoor hospitality can reopen during phase two or if further mitigation are required ahead of phase three.”