Watch: Mass brawl outside Scottish pub that remains open following government orders to close doors

A Scottish pub failed to shut despite Government orders to close doors amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Several police officers attended Cheers Bar in Greenock today after drinkers started to fight outside the premise.

Footage shows a group of people in a mass brawl outside the property in the town’s centre.

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Boris Johnson announced that most public places including pubs were urged to close-up by the end of Friday to prevent more COVID-19 cases, which are expected to rise ‘sharply’ in the coming weeks.

The Greenock pub’s owners appeared to have ignored these guidelines after drinkers were spotted shouting at each other at the venue.

Scots have since taken to social media to criticise the pub, which has been rated two stars on Tripadvisor, saying it poses a risk to public health.

One former customer messaged the owners saying: “Please take this seriously. You’re are being very selfish about people's health.

“I enjoy your pub and have been in a lot so please show your humanity and close your doors.

Mass brawl outside Scottish pub that remains open following government orders to closeMass brawl outside Scottish pub that remains open following government orders to close
Mass brawl outside Scottish pub that remains open following government orders to close

“Health care staff are putting their lives on the line, the least you can do is close.”

Other commenters on social media said the pub staying open is a “risk to people’s lives” and a “selfish act.”

Despite the owners not following government orders, a police spokesman said officers are unable to force pub closures as there are currently “no powers” to do so as of yet.

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In a statement DCC Malcolm Graham said: “We are fully behind the request from the UK and Scottish Governments for entertainment venues to close, and the Chief Constable has already thanked the vast majority of people in Scotland for complying with the instruction. We expect that business owners will also wish to support the national efforts to tackle this grave threat.

“There are no powers conferred by the government request at this time, and therefore we have instructed officers that they should not anticipate enforcing the closure of any premises.

“As part of out duty to improve the safety and wellbeing of people across Scotland our officers patrolling in towns and cities can offer advice on the government request.

“We are aware of the proposed legislation in relation to coronavirus, and are carefully considering the implications in this very fast moving time.”

Nicola Sturgeon said: “Emergency legislation will give us these powers within days and we all not hesitate to use them if necessary. But pubs etc shouldn’t wait for that - they should do the right thing now. Indeed the vast majority are.

“Those who don’t put lives at risk.”

The First Minister repeated the UK government’s call yesterday for restaurants, cafes, pubs, gyms and cinemas across Scotland to close, telling the public that staying at home “will save lives”.

In an address to the country, she said COVID-19 is “the biggest challenge of our lifetimes.”

The Scotsman has attempted to contact the owners for comment.

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