Buck's Bar opens doors to customers in protest against Coronavirus restrictions
Owner Michael Bergson is unhappy with restaurants being closed and claims they can operate safely with "no scientific proof" of them causing spread.
Popular Glasgow restaurant Buck's Bar opened it's doors this afternoon despite Coronavirus regulations instructing them to remain closed for the time being.
Owner Michael Bergson decided to give out meals for free to about 60 diners, who were voted as "deserving" of them by friends due to enduring hardship over the pandemic.
His West Regent Street restaurant, which has another branch at the Trongate, was one of thousands ordered to close by Nicola Sturgeon just over two weeks ago.
But in opposition to the rules, Mr Bergson decided to welcome customers for food, on the house, to send a message to Holyrood that their industry is being "made the scapegoat".
He told Radio Clyde: "This is about reaching out to the Government because we feel hospitality has been unfairly scapegoated.
"We're being told it's an unsafe environment and we do not believe that's the case and there's no scientific evidence to support it.
"There's more evidence to the contrary and we are vital for social interaction and the mental health of the nation in general.
"Whether you're a pub, club, cafe, restaurant, shop or a football stadium, if you can prove you can keep the correct measures in place like hygiene, facial coverings and distancing, then you should be allowed to operate.
"It just seems that we have regulatory overload and I think the public are losing faith.
"The decision makers really need to engage with us and we can all start working together to keep the economy going and also keep people safe."
On his "Eat Out to Reach Out" idea, Mr Bergson said: "Everything is complimentary today.
"We're not selling anything or technically trading, we're just giving out some food and drink, but no alcohol.
"Everyone here today has suffered during the pandemic whether it be lonliness, grief or mental health trouble.
"We're hopefully putting a smile on their faces."