Kirkcaldy pubs to close while 'draconian' COVID restrictions are in place

The Path Tavern is closing until further notice, while the Novar Bar will shut from 6:00pm when the new crackdown bans all bars from selling alcohol indoors.

It’s the first indication of the serious impact on the hospitality trade as the new rules come into force for two weeks in a bid to halt a national rise in coronavirus figures.

For the next 16 days - including three weekends - the Scottish Government has imposed a ban on drinking indoors in pubs, bars and restaurants.

Bars, restaurants and cafes can only operate on a daytime basis to serve food, but no alcohol.

Premises with outdoor facilities, such as beer gardens, can serve drinks until the existing 10:00pm curfew.

Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister, said the “short, sharp action” was designed to halt the spike in COVID cases - but it will have a significant impact on bars which were only just getting back on their feet after lockdown.

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The Novar Bar announced on its Facebook page that it would close once the curfew came into place.

It said: “We feel we have no option but to close. Despite, the superb efforts of the team to create an incredibly safe place for us all to enjoy, the government feels the need to impose even stricter measures on pubs and restaurants like us.

“Unfortunately, having looked at the numbers, and it is simply not financially feasible to stay open with reduced hours and the inability to serve alcohol indoors.”

The Path Tavern - one of the oldest pubs in Kirkcaldy - also said it was “closed until further notice” from 3:00pm on Saturday.

The nearby St Clair Tavern is also having to close while the restrictions are in place.

The Crombie family who run it thanked everyone who has supported them “throughout this crazy tough time.”

They added: “Never in the 30 years of owning the pub have we seen the likes of this happening to the hospitality trade.

“We hope to see you all again real soon, providing the restrictions don’t change again.”

Another, hugely popular bar, Betty Nicols, will also close on Friday.

John Wilson, proprietor, who has introduced all safety measures since returning from lockdown, called the new restrictions “draconian.”

On his pub’s Facebook page, he said: “Although there is no scientific evidence, nor any statistics that justify the measures announced by the First Minister, as we are unable to sell alcohol after 6:00pm this Friday, we will be closed from then, and re-open on Monday 26 October 26, subject to the Scottish government lifting these restrictions, as planned.”

“We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause. We truly appreciate the support of all our regulars and thank you for your valued custom.

“We hope to see you all after these draconian restrictions are lifted and we can reopen.”

Society, based in Charlotte Street, said it was continuing to operate as sit had a large outdoor seated area.

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