Covid 19 - What you need to know - Scottish Closures

As previously reported the Westminster Government introduced emergency measures on Saturday afternoon which compelled a number of classes of premises to close immediately, including pubs.

These regulations only apply in England as the legislation from which they are drawn is devolved matter for the other home nations but action is expected from the devolved parliaments in the coming days; the Coronavirus Bill  which includes a general power of closure (when it is made into law) will extend to all parts of the UK.

Police Scotland have made a number of statements regarding premises closures and yesterday published the a statement condemning ‘reckless’ behaviour which ‘endangers  not only the lives of the customers, but the wider communities’.

In response to these reports, the Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, has urged pubs to close.   Police Scotland said closure orders would be served where necessary; protecting and improving public health is a licensing objective in Scotland and could form the grounds for interim action against pubs still operating.

The Welsh Assembly meanwhile will meet on Tuesday (March 24^th) to consider a Legislative Consent Memorandum (LCM) relating to the Coronavirus Bill currently before the UK Parliament.  This follows a request from the First Minister to the Llywydd, who has agreed to amend the arrangements for this week's Business.