Aberdeen bar scenes condemned: 'The virus doesn't take a minute off, much less 90 minutes'

Health chiefs have warned of the "deadly consequences" of spreading coronavirus - after videos shot at an Aberdeen bar showed football fans singing and hugging in large numbers.

Several videos have been shared on social media from The Draft Project, where fans gathered to watch last night's Scotland match in what appeared to be a marquee.

The clips show fans hugging, singing and standing on tables during the game - which Scotland won on penalties.

Soul Bar in Aberdeen keeping in line with the guidelines again I see! 😡 pic.twitter.com/DJxdCzG1KQ

— Laura bell (@laurapats85) November 12, 2020

Bars in Aberdeen can currently serve alcohol outdoors until 10pm, but people are only permitted from meeting in groups of up to six from two different households, as long as social distancing is adhered to.

Susan Webb, director of public health at NHS Grampian, said: "I am aware of footage being shared on social media, apparently shot in licensed premises in Aberdeen during last night's Scotland match.

"While I cannot comment on these specific circumstances, I can say this - this virus does not rest. It does not take a minute off, much less 90 minutes, extra time and penalties.

"Letting our guard down gives it the opportunity to pass from person to person and, as too many families can confirm, it can have deadly consequences.

"I absolutely understand the desire to celebrate. Staff working across the NHS want to celebrate too. We want to return to normal. That can only happen if we all work together and keep sticking to the guidance."

Police Scotland's chief inspector David Howieson said: "We are aware of footage circulating on social media following the Scotland game last night. 

"Officers were on patrol within the city centre throughout the evening in attendance at the premises in question where they supported staff who ejected a number of patrons following a spontaneous reaction to the first Scotland goal. 

"Police are working in close consultation with the Local Authority Environmental Health and Licensing teams to investigate the full circumstances. There were no arrests or FPNs issued."

Scottish Hospitality Group, which represents bars and restaurants across Scotland, hit out:

The scenes coming from #draftproject tonight in Aberdeen are nothing short of disgraceful. The SHG condemn fully the behaviour of the operator & customers. There is a duty to protect public health and we would support any action taken by authorities after any investigation. #SHG https://t.co/cafA4HlBiW

— The Scottish Hospitality Group (@scothospgroup) November 12, 2020

Aberdeen Central MSP Kevin Stewart has also criticised the scenes:

The MSP has also wrote two letters to Aberdeen City Council and Police Scotland asking for the incident to be fully investigated for the Draft Project's licence should be reviewed. 

The Draft Project is run by PB Devco, the owner of Soul bar, which came under fire earlier this year when images emerged of large groups of revellers gathered outside the venue - just before Aberdeen was placed into a localised lockdown, due to an outbreak linked to pubs in the city.

The firm apologised afterwards:

In its statement at the time, PB Devco said: "We have conducted an internal investigation to review our Covid-19 operating procedures. This has highlighted some important lessons for us to learn.

"The biggest lessons of all are drawn from the procedures that led to a breakdown in social distancing during our busiest times.

"We acknowledge that we underestimated how much of a challenge this would be, and for that we are truly sorry.

"As social distancing is likely to remain in place for the foreseeable future, getting it right will be crucial to the recovery of Aberdeen's local trade."

Original 106 has contacted PB Devco for comment.