Falkirk publican fears 10pm curfew could lead to potential COVID-19-spreading house parties

A pub owner hopes the 10pm curfew imposed on hospitality businesses by the UK and Scottish governments will not defeat its own purpose and lead to a rise in house parties which could result in the further spread of the coronavirus.
By James Trimble
Published 22nd Sep 2020, 16:47 BST
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Brian Flynn, who owns Falkirk’s popular Melville Street pub/restaurant Behind the Wall, believes the curfew which was announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier today and subsequently backed by Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon this afternoon to curb the rise of COVID-19 cases could have the exact opposite effect.

He said: “This appears to be a joined up approach across the entire UK, which is fair enough. When you add in the restrictions on home visits it also brings us into line with the west of Scotland.

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“As far as the 10pm curfew is concerned, Behind the Wall wasn’t getting a lot of people staying late on Friday’s and Saturday’s anyway. I think what will happen – and I hope it does – is people will simply come out earlier to the pubs and restaurants.

Falkirk pub owner Brian Flynn hopes the 10pm curfew will not last six months as some people say it willFalkirk pub owner Brian Flynn hopes the 10pm curfew will not last six months as some people say it will
Falkirk pub owner Brian Flynn hopes the 10pm curfew will not last six months as some people say it will

“But I hope it doesn’t lead to more house parties – I hope people don’t get together after the pubs shut and go back to other people’s houses.”

Some people have said the curfew might be in place for a number of months – perhaps even half-a-year – but Brian hopes it will be lifted in a couple of month’s time, at least before the festive period.

Related topics:FalkirkBoris Johnson