A study investigating the impact of unlocking lockdowns on bars and clubs

Alcohol policy expert Niamh Fitzgerald warned that there are risks associated with relaxing blockades in bars, nightclubs and restaurants.

“Governments and the general public are very interested in how licensed facilities will reopen, but there are risks,” said Fitzgerald, who heads research at Stirling University.

“Whenever deregulation comes, businesses may seek to recoup their losses and customers may choose to celebrate by drinking more than usual.

“The behavior of businesses and consumers can have implications for how drunk people have a spillover effect on our emergency services.”

She said one option would be to mitigate the restrictions, either partially or staggered in time, to accommodate operating, business hours, or venue capacity to minimize harm and impact to emergency services. May leave measures on. Although the closure of bars and nightclubs across Scotland seems to have eased pressure on the Scottish Emergency Services (SAS), there is growing concern about increased house parties and domestic violence during lockdowns.

Research news follows the warning that many facilities in the hospitality sector could fail if restrictions were to last longer.

The latest CGA Business Confidence Survey revealed that only 36% of hospitality business leaders predict post-lockdown life for all facilities once the Covid-19 trading restrictions are lifted ..

However, if the lockdown is released too quickly, the second peak of the virus will again tighten the restrictions, which can lead to a scenario where many companies are even worse.

It has been reported that bars, restaurants and nightclubs are the last to confirm the relaxation of restrictions and still need to continue their social distance measures-as a result, their resumption will reduce the estimated 50% of takes. You may face it. Many become infeasible.

Funded under a rapid study in the Scottish Government’s Covid-19 program, Stirling University’s research is aimed at minimizing impact on ambulance services and protecting customers and staff from viruses in pubs and nights. Consider policy options for reopening clubs and restaurants.

The team will investigate how facility restarts will be phased in over time, and if and how licensees can minimize the risk of infection.

The study will also examine how consumers and institutions respond to the relaxation of restrictions on alcohol consumption, addiction, violence, sales and advertising.

The impact of current limits on ambulance service callouts and the potential impact of a facility re-opening will be investigated.

Most pubs and nightclubs were closed more than seven weeks ago as part of the British and Scottish government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Fitzgerald said it is “really important” to understand the options available for deregulation.

“We consult with a wide range of companies, staff, policy makers and professionals,” said Fitzgerald of the Social Marketing Institute. health (ISMH) Stirling University.

The study also includes ISMH Deputy Director Martine Stead and Professor Jim Lewsey of the Institute of Health and Welfare at Glasgow University.

“This study was only possible to better understand the effects of alcohol on ambulance calling, based on a strong existing collaboration with Scottish ambulance services,” said Professor Lucy, a medical statistics expert. Stated. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to support the service in relevant research during this difficult time.”

Research teams will analyze SAS data on ambulance calls, interview facility owners with key stakeholders, and, depending on when they resume, investigate customer behavior and venue operations once restrictions are relaxed. There is also.

Professor Fitzgerald further added: “Our aim is to provide information on easing Covid-19 restrictions on licensed facilities quickly and directly to policy and guidance at both the Scottish Government and local levels.”

The new study aims to be completed within 6 months. Built on data and preparatory work from two other projects – the impact of minimum unit price on the ambulance call in Scotland, a study funded by the Scottish Government’s Chief Scientist Office, a proposed study, Assessment of facility time after alcohol or extended night Economy, Both are supported by Scottish Ambulance Services.

In addition to this research, two additional projects within the program address the impact of viruses on SAS. One considers the challenges faced by paramedics and the other provides insight into the impact of psychiatric emergencies.