THERE are worries that Helensburgh could become a gateway for people in the central belt of Scotland to get around the 'booze ban' imposed following the announcement of further coronavirus restrictions today (Wednesday).
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon revealed tighter rules will come into force from 6pm on Friday in a set of "targeted measures" to attempt to slow the spread of Covid-19.
All licensed premises - with the exception of hotels for residents - in five health board areas across the central belt of Scotland will be required to close indoors and outdoors, though takeaways will be permitted.
Elsewhere, pubs, restaurants, cafes and bars will be able to operate indoors on a restricted basis: from 6am to 6pm, for the service of food and non-alcoholic drinks only.
The five health board areas where tighter restrictions have been imposed - Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Arran, Lothian and Forth Valley - will have to follow the new guidelines for 16 days from October 10.
However, though Helensburgh is in the geographical central belt, it is part of the NHS Highland health board area so is not covered by the tighter restrictions.
People on social media have asked whether visitors may head to the area to exploit the new guidance, particularly with the upcoming Old Firm football match, which is traditionally a huge draw for pubs throughout the country, scheduled for next weekend.
If I read this map right, Helensburgh is going to be Glasgow's beer garden for the next couple of weeks. pic.twitter.com/ftrmWUSRpt
— Heinz Brandenburg (@HzBrandenburg) October 7, 2020
Annaya's Indian restaurant in West Princes Street has already taken the "difficult decision" to close in the wake of the new restrictions, apart from takeaways, collections and deliveries, with the hospitality industry reeling from the latest setback.
Meanwhile, Rosneath Castle Park says it won't be showing the upcoming Rangers v Celtic game in its Castle Isle Bar.
Some have already taken to Twitter to voice their thoughts:
@jackiebmsp @NicolaSturgeon @scotgov @STVNews Helensburgh is considered NHS Highland but we use GG&C services and geographically we're in central belt. Where does this leave us with new rules?
— Joy (@joyce__s) October 7, 2020
So, what pubs in Helensburgh would you recommend?
— Hugh Go Not (@Boabsuncle) October 7, 2020
Shout out to the places that are in the central belt but just dodged this by virtue of being in a different health board.
— Scott Reid ⚡️ (@thescottreid) October 7, 2020
(also, if you're in the rona places don't be a muppet and go to them, you'll just make things worse)
30 minutes to Helensburgh from here. I can hightail it over the border for moonshine at a speakeasy in Argyll and Bute
— A drink at the bar.. (@007_Rebooted) October 7, 2020
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