Inverness city centre bar and restaurant the latest to temporarily close as new coronavirus restrictions bite

A popular Inverness city centre bar and restaurant is the latest business to announce a temporary closure ahead of tougher Covid-19 restrictions.

Number 27 in Castle Street said it will close at 6pm on Friday for 16 days because it isn’t viable without being able to sell alcohol.

Pubs, restaurants, and cafes in Scotland are being barred from selling alcohol indoors until October 25 from Friday, Nicola Sturgeon said yesterday.

They can continue selling food and non-alcoholic drinks indoors until 6pm and are able to sell alcohol outside up until the 10pm curfew.

A statement from Number 27 said: “It is with a heavy heart but as a result of the announcement by Nicola Sturgeon we have decided to close Number 27 from 6pm on Friday until we can open again 16 days later when restrictions are lifted.

“Unfortunately, our business is just not viable between the hours of 6am and 6pm without alcohol sales.

“We would like to thank all our customers for supporting us during these difficult times but especially to all the staff at number 27 who managed to remain upbeat and positive despite such trying conditions.

“We plan to open bigger and better than ever before in time for Hallowe’en celebrations.”

Number 27’s announcement follows a similar one from Siberia Bar in Aberdeen’s Belmont Street.

The well-known bar said in a statement last night that the closure would help protect its staff and allow it “to continue its efforts to help as many people as it can across the industry”.

The north and north-east’s hospitality sector has been left reeling after the imposition of the tough new measures to limit the spread of coronavirus, with some calling it a “death sentence” for the industry.

For businesses in five health board regions within the central belt – Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Arran, Lothian and Forth Valley –  the restrictions will be tougher and could last longer, with licensed premises ordered to shut completely apart from takeaway services.

Dear @NicolaSturgeon, I realise you are in an extremely difficult position.

But, as someone who employs over 2,000 people, I do not think you comprehend the damage your decisions are doing to the livelihoods & futures of millions of people.

Could we chat about it over a beer? pic.twitter.com/iTqXYTrDFO

— James Watt (@BrewDogJames) October 7, 2020

Elsewhere, pubs, restaurants and cafes will only be able to operate indoors during the day until 6pm for the service of food and non-alcoholic drinks only, and can continue serving alcohol outdoors until 10pm.

Hotel restaurants will be allowed to operate indoors beyond 6pm but only for residents and without alcohol.

The hospitality businesses affected by these new measures will be able to access financial support from a £40m fund that is being set up by the Scottish Government.