‘I’m already gagging for a pint’: Edinburgh residents react to news pubs and restaurants could stay closed longer

That's according to the Scottish Government's Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, who said on Sunday there is “no guarantee” pubs and restaurants across the central belt will reopen in two weeks' time.

The Scottish Government ordered their closure on Friday night as part of new Covid-19 restrictions – but Fergus Ewing has now said the restrictions could continue past October 25.

Speaking to BBC Scotland's Sunday Politics programme, Mr Ewing said: “Were they not in place, the worry is that we may have had to go to something even more stringent.

Pubs and restaurants across the central belt won't be reopening until October 25 at the earliest.

“The First Minister had made it clear that she really wishes to avoid a further lockdown – as does, I believe, the leadership in the other parts of the United Kingdom.

“That is absolutely the case. But there can be no guarantees."

As you might expect, Mr Ewing's words met with strong reaction from Evening News readers.

Ross Thompson said: “If you ask me, 16 days is already too long. I’ll be gutted if I have to wait any longer… I’m already gagging for a pint.”

Ally Brian opined: “More chance of getting Covid at one of the house parties everyone will now be having.”

Steven Oliver wrote: “As I knew would happen, the 16 days will be 'extended indefinitely'. Just a pity that the rest of us are suffering because of the actions of a selfish few.”

Sara Zorriasatein said: “Anyone who thought these restrictions would be in place for only two weeks is somewhat naive. Why do you think people in the hospitality industry are so aggrieved?”

Chris Storey commented: “Unfortunately unlikely to open anytime soon. We have been told a massive lie. Time will tell I guess.”

Steve Ramsay wrote: “It needn’t have come to this if people followed the rules. If you can’t do what you’re told, you can’t have nice things. It’s the poor staff I feel sorry for!"

John Jordan said: “You should have seen Portobello, the Meadows and Arthur's Seat today – hoards of people not social distancing but they pick on the poor pubs.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism.

Subscribe to the Edinburgh Evening News online and enjoy unlimited access to trusted, fact-checked news and sport from Edinburgh and the Lothians. Visit https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/subscriptions now to sign up.

By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Joy Yates

Editorial Director