Large house parties an offence from tomorrow

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced the new powers which will see police able to break up house parties involving 15 people from more than one household, but only as a “last resort”.

Speaking today, she made it clear that the move, which will be reviewed every three weeks, was necessary to ensure socialising can continue in a safe and responsible manner ahead of an expected rise in indoor gatherings during autumn and winter months.

Reports from local outbreak incident management teams suggest that the increasing number of house parties taking place against guidance pose a major risk of coronavirus transmission and could present high-risk ‘super-spreader’ environments.

MSP Christine Grahame – who has raised the issue in parliament previously, citing the so-called party mansion in West Linton as an example – welcomed the announcement.

She said: “I realise that ongoing limits on gatherings is not something any of us particularly relish, but it’s a necessary measure to prevent further outbreaks and keep progress going in the right direction.

“The majority of people appreciate this and have been voluntarily complying, however, there are a minority who continue to behave selfishly by gathering in large groups indoors.

“Not only may they be putting themselves at risk but they become a risk to those in their communities who they may carry something back to, particularly people in vulnerable groups.

“This is particularly the case where groups are travelling long distances to have such gatherings, as was the case at the West Linton party house which understandably caused real concern for local residents who were potentially being put at risk.

“Ensuring police have the powers to enter and disperse such large house parties is another tool in suppressing the virus – clearly these powers should only be used as a last resort, but that ability will help to reduce the potential for future clusters and outbreaks.”