A DUNFERMLINE councillor has warned that pubs, clubs and restaurants that “ignored” government advice and stayed open could lose their licence.

Garry Haldane, a member of the Fife Licensing Board, took aim at the “totally irresponsible” establishments that kept trading after the announcement on March 20 that they should all shut for health reasons, while Police Scotland said the “absolutely reckless” actions were endangering lives.

Cllr Haldane, who represents Dunfermline Central, said: “In my opinion, the premises that stayed open are breaching their licensing objectives.

“If it is seen to be they will be subject to losing their licence.

“This is a very serious breach as far as I am concerned.”

He said it should be treated as a “criminal offence” and added: “How irresponsible are they and how selfish and greedy to pull in a few more pounds to stuff their pockets?”

Cllr Haldane said he had sympathy for the businesses who will be hit hard due to the coronavirus outbreak but told the Press he was aware of a number of establishments who defied the instruction to close.

He said: “It wasn’t a legal order, they were told to shut but it was at their discretion.

"However, to me, it’s a breach of their licence to remain open.

“One of their licensing objectives is to keep people safe but by staying open they’re not only endangering their own health, they’re endangering their staff and customers too.”

Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham, Police Scotland’s lead for coronavirus, said: “There has been an exceptionally high level of compliance across Scotland with the UK and Scottish governments’ instruction for entertainment venues to close, with thousands of premises shutting.

“However, I am aware that a small number of public houses are intent on defying this instruction and have indicated that they will remain open until legally ordered to close.

“This is absolutely reckless and endangers not only the lives of customers, but wider communities, in an extremely fast-moving and unprecedented situation where both the health and safety of the nation is at stake.

“Therefore, I have obtained further legal advice and Police Scotland will now instruct officers to serve emergency closure orders on any licensed premises which refuses to comply on the grounds of the threat posed to public safety.”

He added: “A compulsory closure under the Licensing Scotland Act remains in place for 24 hours but can be repeated as necessary.

“We will also report them to their relevant licensing board for further action to be considered.

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

“These are exceptional times and I would again urge everyone to stay safe and listen to the clear advice coming from health experts and government.”

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