WHILE pubs in West Fife were not told to close as part of the moves to halt the spread of COVID-19, a number of operators have called last orders and decided not to open for two weeks.

That includes Coady's Bar, East Port Bar and PJ Molloy's in Dunfermline; Cottars Bar in Rosyth; and the Hillend Tavern, with others likely to follow.

Tough new restrictions announced by the Scottish Government saw hospitality businesses in five local authority areas in the Central Belt ordered to shut from Friday until October 26.

While Fife was not included, rules for the rest of the country that mean all indoor pubs and restaurants must close at 6pm and cannot sell alcohol left some operators feeling it wasn't worth opening, while others have tried to adapt.

A post on the Facebook page of the Cottars Bar in Rosyth said: "A sad day at the Cottars. As we have to abide by ridiculous government restrictions, we unfortunately are unable to trade and therefore have had to put all staff back on furlough and close at 6pm tonight for 16 days hopefully."

And a message to customers from Coady's Bar on Friday said: "Further to the First Minister's announcement, we have made the decision to close the doors tonight at 6pm for two weeks!

"Stay happy, safe and healthy!"

The team at the East Port Bar said: "I’m sure you’ve been wondering since yesterday’s announcement and unfortunately we have bad news.

"From 6pm tomorrow, Friday October 9, the East Port Bar will be closed for 16 days.

"It’s a horrible decision for all involved here and we can’t wait to get re-opened and welcome you all back!"

PJ Molloy's is also closed and explained last Thursday: "Unfortunately, due to the announcements made by the First Minister, we will be closing our doors (for at least two weeks) after tonight."

And the Hillend Tavern said: "New COVID-19 restrictions have made it UNVIABLE for us to continue to serve alcohol outside only.

"As most of you know, we have a lovely outside beer garden, which isn’t large enough for us to accommodate enough customers to make opening viable.

"As from 6pm on Friday October 9, for 16 days we will be closed."

The award-winning pub had flagged up issues with compliance in the days before the drastic new restrictions were announced.

A post had thanked the majority of customers for abiding by the rules but said there were some "that continue to break the law" by not wearing face-coverings when required.

It said: "We must enforce these laws to try and keep the coronavirus numbers down or we risk going into another lockdown and have the pubs and bars shut down again.

"If you don’t like these rules, please stay away from my bar!"

Those with beer gardens and outdoor drinking areas, such as The Compass in Dalgety Bay; the Seven Kings and the Elizabethan in Dunfermline; the Carnock Inn and the Adamson Hotel in Crossford, said they would serve food and non-alcoholic drinks inside and serve alcohol outside up until 10pm.

The Gothenburg Hotel in Rosyth said: "We have decided we will open only inside the pub for soft drinks and coffees 10am-6pm. Our beer garden will be open from 10am-10pm where you can be served alcohol only.

"We will be monitoring the beer garden at all times as we only have limited seating."

And the Garvock House Hotel in Dunfermline posted: "When life throws you lemons ... make lemonade. And, when you can't join us for dinner, try breakfast instead!"