Question reference: S5W-31689
- Asked by: Christine Grahame, MSP for Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 9 September 2020
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Current status: Answered by Michael Russell on 24 September 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will amend COVID-19 regulations in Scotland to include fines for breaching gathering regulations by organising these in a similar way to those under the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions on Holding of Gatherings and Amendment) (England) Regulations 2020.
Answer
A specific offence of attending a party in a private dwelling was included in the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirement) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 to address the specific risks posed by large gatherings. Ensuring police have the powers to enter and disperse large house parties is another important tool in suppressing the virus.
Any breaches of the requirements in the regulations may be subject to enforcement action, including issuing a fixed penalty notice or consideration of prosecution in court.
They are temporary powers and will be kept under review, and strengthened if the evidence suggests this is necessary.