Further measures “unavoidable” if businesses do not comply
SCOTLAND’S pubs, bars and restaurants will have to close at 10pm every night from this Friday (September 25) under new COVID-19 measures introduced by the Scottish Government.
Speaking in the Scottish Parliament today (September 22), first minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that Scotland would follow the UK Government, which announced a curfew for venues in England last night, and institute a 10pm closure time for hospitality venues across Scotland.
However, she said venues would remain open in order to “find a balance between action to suppress the virus and the protection of people’s jobs and livelihoods”.
The measures will be reviewed every three weeks.
“I want to be clear with the hospitality trade about this,” said Sturgeon.
“Not withstanding the economic implications, further restrictions including possible closure will be unavoidable – locally or nationally – if the rules within pubs and restaurants on hygiene, face coverings, table service, maximum numbers of groups and the distance between them are not fully complied with.
“I want to thank those businesses – I believe the majority – that are making huge efforts to ensure compliance.
“However, to ensure this is the case for all we will be providing resources for additional environmental health officers and asking local authorities to significantly step up inspection and enforcement.”
The toughened measures also include a ban on people from different households meeting in each other’s homes.
