Edinburgh police to increase patrols as beer gardens prepare to open

The police also want to remind people that drinking in public in some places can be a criminal offence

The Edinburgh Police division will be increasing patrols across the city as beer gardens prepare to reopen after lockdown on Monday.

All hospitality venues have been closed since before lockdown in March, and for the first time since then, people will be able to drink a pint in a beer garden.

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie said: "The Chief Constable has made it clear that we are asking people to take personal responsibility to do the right thing and remember the purpose of these measures is to aid the collective effort to stay safe, protect others and save lives by preventing the virus from spreading.

"Our officers will continue to engage with the public, explain the legislation and guidance and encourage compliance. We will use enforcement as a last resort only where there is a clear breach of the legislation.

"We will have increased patrols in all divisions across Scotland and are are also currently running a #SafeSummer campaign, asking people to drink responsibly, make sure you can get home safely and remember that drinking in public in some places can be a criminal offence."

All other pubs will be allowed to reopen on July 15 with strict physical distancing in place.

Friday saw pubs in Northern Ireland open for the first time, and Saturday saw the same in England, though not in Wales or Scotland.

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