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Inverness publicans welcome easing of alcohol restrictions as ‘a step in the right direction’


By Ian Duncan

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Publicans in Inverness have welcomed the relaxation of coronavirus restrictions so their customers can now enjoy alcohol indoors.

On Monday the Highlands was placed in tier one – the second lowest of five levels – meaning they were no longer restricted to only serving alcohol in outside areas.

Fears were raised that the hospitality sector would suffer if the restrictions were not lifted as businesses were already struggling due to the regulations.

Don Lawson, who owns Johnny Foxes and The Den, said it was a positive step forward but added: “We’ve got a bit to go yet.”

He said he could not understand why there was still a restriction in place on playing background music, adding: “It creates an atmosphere. Responsible landlords would have it at a low level.”

Mr Lawson thought they had been lucky enough to have the outside area over the past few weeks because they had managed to remain open and he expects business to pick up this weekend.

“I can only speak for Johnny Foxes, but I think we are a long way from normality,” he added. “The Den is closed and it is looking like it will not be open again until Easter at the earliest. But this is a step in the right direction.”

Kit Fraser, the owner of Hootananny, said he could not believe the restrictions were put in place in the first place, adding: “I find it astonishing that we were in a situation where pubs were allowed to be open and not sell alcohol.”

He also questioned the ban on live music, or the fact that live music venues could be open but not have the entertainment. He said: “We are entering a world of madness. We follow the science – pubs, hotels and restaurants only account for three per cent of virus transmission.”

Mr Fraser said he was reopening on reduced hours from tomorrow night.

Andy Simpson, manager of the Black Isle Bar, said they had been lucky to have a beer garden area and welcomed the easing of restrictions.

“It’s nice to be open indoors again for everybody,” he said. “It is better and it’s very good for the staff because they were cold outside.”

Bruce MacGregor, who owns MacGregor’s Bar, said they were also one of the few places with a beer garden, which meant they were also able to stay open.

He said: “It was good to see people inside again. It is certainly a welcome move but how long it lasts, I don’t know.”


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