Headline

Trade groups have broadly welcomed news that the remaining COVID restrictions in Scotland are to be phased out over the coming weeks, but say they are “disappointed” the requirements for face masks and contact tracing are to remain in place for a further month – and they have reiterated calls for business support and more positive messaging from government as the industry seeks to rebuild.

The Scottish Government’s COVID passport scheme is to be scrapped from next week, with facemask and contact tracing rules dropped from next month, the first minister has announced.

Scottish hospitality groups are among those backing a major UK-wide campaign designed to tackle hospitality industry staff shortages.

It is now “inevitable” that many in the hospitality industry will have to raise their prices this year, in the face of rising costs, according to UK Hospitality.

Pubs impacted by the table service requirement which was brought in on 27th December and ends today (24th January) will be able to apply for a one-off grant of up to £5000.

Scottish pubs and bars will be able to drop table service and physical distancing requirements, and nightclubs able to reopen, from next Monday (24th January).

Hospitality trade groups have blasted the Scottish Government’s decision to keep trading restrictions in place for at least another week, saying there is “no justification” for the ongoing measures.

Physical distancing between groups and a requirement for table service will remain in place in hospitality venues until at least 24th January, the first minister has announced.

The Scottish Government has said it will contact nightclubs across Scotland this week and invite them to apply for a grant of up to £55,000.

Changes to the COVID self-isolation rules in Scotland which kick in today (6th January) have been welcomed by hospitality industry groups, which say the measures will help ease staffing pressures for those venues able to trade.