'This is a shocking blow': Popular Edinburgh bar CC Blooms reacts to Nicola Sturgeon's phase two announcement

A popular Edinburgh bar took a hit today as Nicola Sturgeon announced outdoor spaces for pubs and restaurants are to remain closed, despite the country entering phase two of exiting lockdown.

CC Blooms, in Greenside Place, Edinburgh, had already been taking bookings ahead of this weekend with the hope that Ms Sturgeon would give the green light for beer gardens to resume service during her daily briefing on Thursday (June 18).

While the First Minister announced various easing of restrictions such as permitting family and friends to meet in larger groups, and the reopening of non-essential retail, she said outdoor spaces for pubs and restaurants are to remain closed until her next review on July 2.

Staff at CC Blooms said the announcement was a “shocking blow” and they published an apology to eager customers who had already booked a table in their newly-made outdoor space that was set to reopen today.

In a message on social media owners said: “Following the announcement today from Nicola Sturgeon, we regret that we are unable to open as expected.

“This is a shocking blow for hospitality. We certainly won’t be opening before 2nd July.

“All bookings will be cancelled. We apologise to all our amazing customers who booked and advise to watch further announcements though we get very little notice from the government.

“Thanks for your patience at this time, but unfortunately we can only work to the timescales provided by the government.”

The news comes as Ms Sturgeon lifted restrictions on other activities and businesses across the country.

As of today, further health services, including more access to GP services and the resumption of services which were postponed by the NHS in March, would resume.

People are allowed to travel further (but stay within the local area) for exercise and leisure activities.

Non-essential retail is allowed to open with strict social distancing measures in place, yet, shopping centres are to remain closed for the foreseeable future unless they host essential businesses such as pharmacies and supermarkets.