Police to patrol pubs after complaints made by customers about a lack of social distancing

Police Scotland have been made aware of complaints relating to three local premises - the James Watt and Nicolson's in Greenock and Cleats in Gourock in the wake of the weekend.

Now officers will be out monitoring local bars on Friday and Saturday to ensure the rules are followed to the letter.

The Tele received complaints regarding the James Watt, with one customer claiming lives were being potentially put at risk

A pubgoer who walked out of the Cathcart Street establishment told the Tele: "It is an absolute disgrace.

"There was no hand sanitising station upon entry, no social distancing and the tables were absolutely filthy and had not been cleaned.

"We were also not asked to fill in a track and trace form.

"I've been asked to do this at other Wetherspoons I've visited lately.

"Staff were also handling food and cutlery without wearing gloves.

"Myself and my partner will never go in there again."

Wetherspoons spokesman Eddie Gershon insists that all necessary measures are in place in the establishment.

Mr Gershon told the Tele: "The James Watt has all the necessary procedures in place to ensure that staff and customers can both work and socialise safely.

"The environmental health officer was in the pub on Tuesday and was happy with the procedures in place.

"There are numerous hand sanitisers in the pub, including at the entrance.

"Wetherspoon is participating in the test and protect scheme and there is a QR code in the pub for customers to complete on the phone or by using a pen and paper to fill in a form.

"There is also no requirement for staff, in pubs or other hospitality environments to wear gloves.

"Social distancing does take place in the pub and we refute the claim."

The establishment is not the only local pub accused of not following all government advice.

Inverclyde MP Ronnie Cowan says he was contacted by constituents concerned at what they had seen elsewhere.

Mr Cowan said: "Constituents have contacted me raising their concerns that the rules around social distancing were being broken and that some bars are undertaking no contact tracing of recording names and telephone numbers when entering said premises.

"This does not apply to all establishments but as we move forward we need to do so with caution.

"Pub owners and staff can only do so much and while they will be held accountable we must all ensure that we are behaving in an appropriate fashion.

"I have since raised the subject with both Inverclyde Council and the local K Division of Police Scotland."

Police say they will now be carrying out patrols over the weekend and have asked members of the public to report breaches to them.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Police have been made aware of concerns raised that some licensed premises in Inverclyde may not be operating social distancing and hygiene measures.

"Officers will be conducting checks at a number of premises this weekend and will take appropriate action if there is a risk to public health.

"Police urge people to report premises who are not operating responsibly and to avoid using them."

Inverclyde Council have today issued a reminder to establishments that they can take action where safety measures are substandard.

A spokesperson added: "Where social distancing is not being adhered to, enforcement of the law is a matter for the police.

"Businesses have an obligation to ensure as far as possible that the rules are being followed.

"The council, through its public protection and environmental health services, does have powers to take action against any premises where there are any inadequate safety measures.

"Ultimately it’s down to the public to ensure they continue to follow the health and safety guidance, particularly surrounding physical distancing, hand washing and face masks where possible, in order to ensure the continued suppression of this deadly virus.

"We’ve sadly seen in recent days that Covid-19 hasn’t gone away and is still very much present in our communities."