An Aberdeen bar owner blamed “moving goalposts” for the confusion that saw him advertising a breach of government rules as the city’s hospitality trade was allowed to reopen.
The Draft Project By Soul highlighted it would be seating groups of 15 people from five different households upon reopening yesterday afternoon.
Owner Stuart Clarkson said he’d mistakenly believed the marquee was classed as an outdoor venue, instead of indoors.
In reality, under the rules it can only host a maximum of eight people from three households.
Environmental health officers intervened to end the confusion only hours before customers were due to be allowed back into the tent in Justice Mill Lane, sited within the footprint of the former Bruce Millers shop.
Though the tent does not have sides, it is enclosed by adjoining walls less than five feet away – meaning it is classed as indoor space.
Mr Clarkson, whose PB Devco firm also owns nightspots including Soul, The Queen Vic and The College, told The P&J: “It was news to us when we were told it was not being treated as an outside space.
“I can understand the concerns there were, but we corrected it as soon as the council mentioned it.
“I don’t know what happened as we were inspected by environmental health in the last week and there was no mention of that.”
But Aberdeen City Council said environmental health officers had made it clear the 280-person marquee – and all other PB Devco venues – would be subject to the indoor limits.
A spokesman said: “Ahead of re-opening, an assessment of The Draft Project was undertaken, as per the assurance scheme that has been implemented.
“During this assessment, it was discussed that the requirements were for up to eight individuals from up to three households and this was reflected in the risk assessment provided.
“This was for Soul, but our officers were advised it was applicable to all premises in the group.
“At no time did the operator advise they considered the premises to be outdoors, nor that they intended to permit groups of up to 15 from five households.”
The venue, permitted under an occasional licence, opened on August 1 and was one of the 28 initially linked to the coronavirus cluster that prompted the local lockdown four days later.
Leader of the Aberdeen Liberal Democrats Ian Yuill warned: “Confusion is certainly unhelpful and potentially risky and that’s why it is important every venue is clear on what they must and must not do.
“The last thing anyone wants in Aberdeen is to increase the risk of a further outbreak and potential local lockdown.
“Fortunately, it was cleared up before the venue opened.”
