Covid 19 - What you need to know - Stirling University launches study into easing of COVID-19 restrictions on licensed premises

The University of Stirling have announced a new study “seeking to understand how the easing of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on licensed premises can be effectively managed to protect emergency services”

The study is being funded by the Scottish Government under their Rapid Research in COVID-19 programme and is set to complete within 6 months.

“The team will investigate how the re-opening of premises could be phased in over time, and whether and how licence holders could minimise infection risks. The study will consider the way in which consumers and venues might respond to any easing of restrictions – in terms of alcohol consumption, intoxication, violence, sales and promotions.

The impact of current restrictions on ambulance service callouts will also be examined, as well as the potential impact should establishments reopen.”

The study is being led by Professor Niamh Fitzgerald whose research and teaching interests are primarily in alcohol policy. She has previously advised the Scottish Government on issues such as minimum pricing of alcohol and the lowering of the drink drive limit and is considered to be a leading academic in her field.

With a recent proposal for a staged reopening of leisure businesses in England as early as 4th July, the prospect of waiting for a study running to the end of the year may cause some alarm with Scottish Licensees.

We do not know but anticipate that interim findings will be given to the Scottish government and that the final report will include observations from the leisure sector as it has begun to reopen, before the end of the year.