The Fluke in Inverness becomes latest bar to announce 16 day closure to coincide with tough temporary Covid-19 coronavirus restrictions
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ANOTHER bar in Inverness has announced its temporary closure ahead of the introduction of tougher new Covid-19 controls.
The Fluke, on Culcabock Road, confirmed the news this morning (Friday) that it will close at 6pm today and will not reopen until October 26.
The closure window coincides with strict new controls in several Central Belt health board areas – where bars will be ordered to fully close for 16 days to try to slow the spread of coronavirus.
And, although the blanket closure order does not apply to the north of Scotland, several tough temporary controls will take effect in the region at 6pm on Friday.
These include a ban on alcohol sales indoors, and the mandatory closure of indoor areas at 6pm daily – although alcohol can be sold outside until 10pm.
However, the expected impact of the block on alcohol sales indoors, and restrictions on indoor operating hours, are expected to deal a financial blow to Highland bars already struggling to recover from spring's full lockdown.
And several Highland bars and restaurants have already announced plans to close entirely for the 16 day window between now and October 26 – arguing that it would cost more to stay open under the new measures during that period.
The Fluke has now joined them.
Taking to social media this morning, a spokesman for the bar said: "Unfortunately, we have to close at 6pm today until October 26.
"Our team has worked extremely hard to make the Fluke safe and we'd like to take this opportunity to thank you all for visiting us.
"We are in the process of contacting all guests who have made bookings with us to inform them that we will be closed until October 26.
"We look forward to welcoming you back when we re-open.
"If you wanted to book with us to celebrate an occasion, don't forget you can still purchase a gift card online.
"Until we see you again, thanks for all your support."
"Go raibh maith agat a fheiceann tú go léir go luath," they added.
News of the temporary closure comes hard on the heels of announcements by the likes of Number 27 , the Rocpool restaurant and The Rose Street Foundry, the latter of which said it was staying closed until next spring .
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