Police visit Borders pubs to ensure doors are firmly closed

The last orders called at the Borders pubs three weeks tomorrow remain in force despite the Scottish Government relaxing that lockdown and allowing them to operate as takeaways.
Black Swan pub in Horsemarket, Kelso.Black Swan pub in Horsemarket, Kelso.
Black Swan pub in Horsemarket, Kelso.

Visits to the pub have become a thing of the past since UK Government prime minister Boris Johnston ordered all venues shut their doors from Friday, March 20, as part of the nationwide effort to bring the current coronavirus outbreak under control.

Although some restaurants are still offering takeaway food and deliveries, the majority across the Borders remain closed fully.

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Hunter's Hall, the Weatherspoons chain pub, in Galashiels.Hunter's Hall, the Weatherspoons chain pub, in Galashiels.
Hunter's Hall, the Weatherspoons chain pub, in Galashiels.

But while pubs up the road in Edinburgh have had their windows and doors boarded up to deter vandals, those in the Borders haven’t resorted to such measures and are instead relying on their own security precautions bobbies on the beat to deter crime.

Police Scotland’s area commander for the Borders, chief inspector Stuart Reid, said: “Since the lockdown has come into force, officers throughout the Scottish Borders have been making routine visits to restaurants and pubs to ensure not only that they are shut but also that they have not been subjected to a break-in or other crime.

“Our overriding message to the public is that it’s really important to follow the guidance from our public health experts in order to save lives and protect the NHS.”