Nicola Sturgeon hopes beer gardens can reopen 'before too long'
It had been thought outdoor areas at bars and restaurants could reopen this weekend - but the First Minister says we're not there yet
Last updated 19th Jun 2020
Nicola Sturgeon has said she hopes to see people enjoying a drink in beer gardens “before too long”, but she stressed it is still too early to open them safely.
Outdoor areas of pubs and restaurants will not be opening as part of Scotland's initial move into phase two of the exit from lockdown.
At her daily briefing on Friday, the First Minister indicated they may remain closed for “a couple of weeks” longer due to emerging evidence about how Covid-19 transmits between people.
Places like gyms and noisy pubs, and also participation in activities like choir singing, could have a greater risk of infection because people breathe differently, she said.
She added: “Even outdoors, if you are in a noisy environment, maybe there's music playing. If people are having alcohol, maybe they're shouting more than normal.”
Further investigation is ongoing about more “protective steps” which could be taken, she said.
The First Minister added: “I very much hope to see people able to have a pint - or some of us would prefer a glass of wine or a gin and tonic - in a beer garden before too long.
“But I want to make sure that's safe.
“If a couple more weeks before we have the ability to have a drink in a beer garden means we can keep this virus really suppressed at a low level, and maybe get our schools back much closer to normal in August, I think most people would think that is a good balance to try to strike.”
Jason Leitch, Scotland's national clinical director, added that people would meet in a “less controlled way” in beer gardens than they do at permitted family gatherings outdoors.
He said: “I think it will come before indoors.
“But I think we need a little bit more time, a little bit more data and a little bit more advice before we can reassure the First Minister and the Cabinet that we can safely take this step.”
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