Information and News 2020
Corona Virus Restrictions Moved to Level 4 on 26th December 2020
The restrictions for this level can be viewed at the following link - protection level4
Coronavirus Level 3 Restrictions & Information - December 2020
East Lothian will be in Tier 3 from Friday 18th December 2020 at 18:00 hours. Licensees must comply with the rules in operation for that level. These can be found on the Scottish Government website at the following link - protection level3
Environmental Health Officers have been carrying out visits and checks of licensed premises to ensure compliance with the protection level 2 rules, which will change to protection level 3 restrictions on 18th December. Please be aware that action will be taken if premises are found to be non-compliant.
Please note that BYOB is NOT permitted under level 3. The regulations quite explicitly state that on consumption of alcohol is not permitted!
Some of the issues identified by visiting officers relate to the following:-
FACTS
Please stay safe, protect others and the NHS and save lives. Please follow the FACT guidelines, namely:
F wear a face covering
A avoid crowded areas
C clean your hands regularly
T maintain a two metres distance from others
S self isolate and seek a test if you have coronavirus symptoms
Christmas Protection Guidance
The Scottish Government has published a guide to frequently asked questions about what we can do during the festive period to comply with the current restrictions and stay safe. This guidance covers a wide range of topics on visiting relatives, shopping, socialising, Santa experiences and much more. Here is the link to this guidance - ChristmasProtectionGuidance
Leaving Lock Down - July 2020
On 6th July licensed premises will be able to open outside drinking areas. On 15th July, under certain conditions, pubs and restaurants will be able to re-open indoors for business. Guidance from the Scottish Government is awaited on what conditions and measures will be required by licensees to meet the new temporary re-opening requirements.
However, the Council has produced a re-opening packs aimed at different types of businesses and scenarios which include information for food businesses/retailers/licensed premises and including the need to undertake a Covid 19 risk assessment pre opening; checklists to use premises pre opening; a checklist re the use and checking of premises toilets; guidance re the use of pavements etc.
These packs can be accessed on-line at https://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/supportyourreopening
If you wish clarification on any points within these packs please contact Environmental Health at East Lothian Council
Pub Landlords Be Aware - Government Closure Orders Must Be Complied With
The police warn that they will be rigorously enforcing this order. Any breach is a criminal offence and will be prosecuted. It will also lead to the review of offenders premises and personal licences.
SLTA Notices - Coronavirus Guidance
The Scottish Licensed Trade Association has circulated a considerable amount of information on the CONVID-19 virus for the hospitality sector. You can read articles in full here.
Corona Virus Restrictions Moved to Level 4 on 26th December 2020
The restrictions for this level can be viewed at the following link - protection level4
Coronavirus Level 3 Restrictions & Information - December 2020
East Lothian will be in Tier 3 from Friday 18th December 2020 at 18:00 hours. Licensees must comply with the rules in operation for that level. These can be found on the Scottish Government website at the following link - protection level3
Environmental Health Officers have been carrying out visits and checks of licensed premises to ensure compliance with the protection level 2 rules, which will change to protection level 3 restrictions on 18th December. Please be aware that action will be taken if premises are found to be non-compliant.
Please note that BYOB is NOT permitted under level 3. The regulations quite explicitly state that on consumption of alcohol is not permitted!
Some of the issues identified by visiting officers relate to the following:-
- Social distancing in place but not enforced.
- Alcohol being served to customers - No alcohol to be served without a main meal under level 2 and no alcohol at all under level3.
- Customers may only have non alcoholic drinks under level 3.
- Gazebos, marquees, tents being used as outdoor areas a) without licensing & planning approval b) such structures being used without at least 50% of the sides open to the air, which make them wholly enclosed and therefore customers within cannot smoke. No alcohol to be served in tier 3 indoors or outdoors. See guidance notes for exceptions.
FACTS
Please stay safe, protect others and the NHS and save lives. Please follow the FACT guidelines, namely:
F wear a face covering
A avoid crowded areas
C clean your hands regularly
T maintain a two metres distance from others
S self isolate and seek a test if you have coronavirus symptoms
Christmas Protection Guidance
The Scottish Government has published a guide to frequently asked questions about what we can do during the festive period to comply with the current restrictions and stay safe. This guidance covers a wide range of topics on visiting relatives, shopping, socialising, Santa experiences and much more. Here is the link to this guidance - ChristmasProtectionGuidance
Leaving Lock Down - July 2020
On 6th July licensed premises will be able to open outside drinking areas. On 15th July, under certain conditions, pubs and restaurants will be able to re-open indoors for business. Guidance from the Scottish Government is awaited on what conditions and measures will be required by licensees to meet the new temporary re-opening requirements.
However, the Council has produced a re-opening packs aimed at different types of businesses and scenarios which include information for food businesses/retailers/licensed premises and including the need to undertake a Covid 19 risk assessment pre opening; checklists to use premises pre opening; a checklist re the use and checking of premises toilets; guidance re the use of pavements etc.
These packs can be accessed on-line at https://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/supportyourreopening
If you wish clarification on any points within these packs please contact Environmental Health at East Lothian Council
Pub Landlords Be Aware - Government Closure Orders Must Be Complied With
The police warn that they will be rigorously enforcing this order. Any breach is a criminal offence and will be prosecuted. It will also lead to the review of offenders premises and personal licences.
SLTA Notices - Coronavirus Guidance
The Scottish Licensed Trade Association has circulated a considerable amount of information on the CONVID-19 virus for the hospitality sector. You can read articles in full here.
East Licensing Forum meeting - details of the next meeting will be announced at a later date.
East and Midlothian Best Bar None Awards 2019 - 20202
The annual awards should have taken place at Prestonpans Royal British Legion on Friday 13th March 2020.
Congratulations to all successful participants as follows:
East Lothian
Gold
Hotel bar
Dunmuir Hotel
Pub
David Macbeth Moir
Specialist Entertainment Venue
QMU Student Union
Pub
Golfers Rest
Independent Pub
The Golf Tavern
Independent Pub
The Tweeddale Arms Hotel
Independent Pub
Anchor Bar
Hotel Bar
Royal Mackintosh Hotel
Specialist Entertainment Venue
Eskmills Venue
Hotel Bar
Nether Abbey Hotel
Independent Bar
Prestoungrange Gothenburg
Independent Pub
Coalgate Inn
Pub
The Pine Marten
Hotel Bar
Craighouse Brewers Fayre
Pub
The Bonnie Badger
Pub
The Thorntree Inn
Silver
Bar
Wallyford Miners Welfare Society & Social Club
Hotel Bar
The Plough Tavern Hotel
Independent Pub
The Brig & Barrel
Pub
Sportsmans Bar
Specialist Entertainment Venue
Cockenzie & Port Seton Bowling Club
Independent Bar
The Puffin
Specialist Entertainment Venue
Prestonpans Royal British Legion
Independent Bar
Cockenzie & Port Seton Royal British Legion
Bar
Macmerry Bowling Club
Pub
The Auld Hoose
Bronze
Specialist Entertainment Venue
East Lothian Cooperative Employees Bowling & Social Club
Co-ordinator of the event was Allen Paul, Best Bar None Coordinator Haddington Police Station 39-41 Court Street, Haddington. EH41 3AE 01620-829535 or email allen.paul@scotland.pnn.police.uk
The annual awards should have taken place at Prestonpans Royal British Legion on Friday 13th March 2020.
Congratulations to all successful participants as follows:
East Lothian
Gold
Hotel bar
Dunmuir Hotel
Pub
David Macbeth Moir
Specialist Entertainment Venue
QMU Student Union
Pub
Golfers Rest
Independent Pub
The Golf Tavern
Independent Pub
The Tweeddale Arms Hotel
Independent Pub
Anchor Bar
Hotel Bar
Royal Mackintosh Hotel
Specialist Entertainment Venue
Eskmills Venue
Hotel Bar
Nether Abbey Hotel
Independent Bar
Prestoungrange Gothenburg
Independent Pub
Coalgate Inn
Pub
The Pine Marten
Hotel Bar
Craighouse Brewers Fayre
Pub
The Bonnie Badger
Pub
The Thorntree Inn
Silver
Bar
Wallyford Miners Welfare Society & Social Club
Hotel Bar
The Plough Tavern Hotel
Independent Pub
The Brig & Barrel
Pub
Sportsmans Bar
Specialist Entertainment Venue
Cockenzie & Port Seton Bowling Club
Independent Bar
The Puffin
Specialist Entertainment Venue
Prestonpans Royal British Legion
Independent Bar
Cockenzie & Port Seton Royal British Legion
Bar
Macmerry Bowling Club
Pub
The Auld Hoose
Bronze
Specialist Entertainment Venue
East Lothian Cooperative Employees Bowling & Social Club
Co-ordinator of the event was Allen Paul, Best Bar None Coordinator Haddington Police Station 39-41 Court Street, Haddington. EH41 3AE 01620-829535 or email allen.paul@scotland.pnn.police.uk
Airbnb Licensing Regime 2020
A recent article by Stephen McGowan, Head of TLT Licensing, alerts us that the government intends to bring in a new licensing regime for Airbnb accommodation later this year, with an expected implementation date in spring 2021. Licences would be issued by local authorities under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.
The effect of the new legislation will be to regulate safety of AirBnBs. At present there are as many as 32,000 premises in Scotland that will be affected. The implications of the new set up are that the accommodation industry hopes that a level playing field will be created for all accommodation providers. However, the cost of obtaining and maintaining a licence may drive many businesses to close down. There will be a big impact on local authorities to administer and service licences and the police will require to do background checks, prepare reports on applications and enforce breaches of licensing conditions. Licensing at present is resource intensive and may not welcomed by many.
For more information, check the February edition of Scottish Licensed Trade News.
Alcohol Focus Scotland – February 2020 Newsletter can be found at the following link https://mailchi.mp/b60b13f9c228/efocus-feb2020-alcohol-focus-scotland-newsletter-4888097?e=fd41a52b56
Airbnb Licensing Regime 2020
A recent article by Stephen McGowan, Head of TLT Licensing, alerts us that the government intends to bring in a new licensing regime for Airbnb accommodation later this year, with an expected implementation date in spring 2021. Licences would be issued by local authorities under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.
The effect of the new legislation will be to regulate safety of AirBnBs. At present there are as many as 32,000 premises in Scotland that will be affected. The implications of the new set up are that the accommodation industry hopes that a level playing field will be created for all accommodation providers. However, the cost of obtaining and maintaining a licence may drive many businesses to close down. There will be a big impact on local authorities to administer and service licences and the police will require to do background checks, prepare reports on applications and enforce breaches of licensing conditions. Licensing at present is resource intensive and may not welcomed by many.
For more information, check the February edition of Scottish Licensed Trade News.
Alcohol Focus Scotland – February 2020 Newsletter can be found at the following link https://mailchi.mp/b60b13f9c228/efocus-feb2020-alcohol-focus-scotland-newsletter-4888097?e=fd41a52b56
